President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has assured Ugandans of the security of life and property, courtesy of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF). “I assure the people of Uganda that UPDF has the capacity to protect you and your property, supported by you the civilians,” he said.
President Museveni made these remarks while presiding over the 44th Army Week and Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations at Kasasa playgrounds in Kyotera district. He commended those who sacrificed for the present peace and security, congratulating all Ugandans, especially combatants, for the victories attained since the invasion of Kabamba.
The President expressed his gratitude to the people of Masaka region for contributing to the liberation war. “We thank the people of Masaka region for contributing to the liberation war from 1972, in 1979 and 1985. Historical battles were fought here. I thank you for your support,” he noted.
President Museveni also saluted Mwalimu Nyerere and other Tanzanians for their help during the liberation struggle. “People of Tanzania helped our liberation,” he emphasized.
The President emphasized the importance of modern farming methods, urging the people of Greater Masaka sub-region to adopt new techniques like irrigation and mulching to increase their yields. “Add irrigation to your efforts and the sky will be the limit,” he said. He further noted that Katonga flood plain can be used for fish farming.
Speaking at the same function, the Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Hon Jacob Oboth Oboth, appreciated President Museveni’s visionary leadership in building a professional and nationalistic army. “We would not see what is happening in Uganda without you,” he told the President. “Let us stay put and safeguard what God has given us,” he stated.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, congratulated all Ugandans for reaching this historical day of Uganda’s liberation. He honoured all who sacrificed for the present peace and stability, noting that the overall security situation in the country is safe and peaceful for prosperity. “The security situation at home is calm and UPDF is ready to deal with any negative tendencies without fear or favour and according to the laws,” he emphasized.
Gen Kainerugaba warned that no amount of negative tendency will disrupt UPDF from its historical mission of protecting people. “We can’t and shall not abandon the UPDF historical mission under any circumstances,” he said, adding that “We have a duty to protect our people.”
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, Joint Staff Political Commissariat, noted that Tarehe Sita activities strengthen the strategic relationship between the national army and its people. “Tarehe Sita is ring-fenced to symbolize the birth of a pro-people army, commencing from 06 February 1981,” he said.
The event was attended by various dignitaries, including the Vice President, Her Excellency Hon Maj (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, Uganda’s First Lady and Minister of Education, Culture and Sports, Mrs Janet Kataha Museveni, and NRM National Vice Chairperson Al Hajji Moses Kigongo, Minister in the Presidency Hon Babirye Milly Babalanda, and Permanent Secretary MODVA Mrs Rosette Byengoma.
Other attendees included Defence Advisors, Service Commanders, Generals, UPDF Senior and Junior Officers, Members of Parliament, Representatives from Sister Security forces, religious, cultural and local leaders, and area residents from the Greater Masaka sub-region, comprising Masaka, Masaka City, Bukomansibi, Kalungu, Kyotera, Rakai, Lyantonde, Kalangala, Lwengo, and Sembabule districts.
The 2025 Army Week and Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations ran under the theme “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Social Economic Transformation.”
