The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation (CIMIC) Brig Gen Emmanuel Rwashande has today visited some of the families of the founding members of the Front for National Salvation, (FRONASA) in Isingiro district.
The families visited included Catherine Baguma, the widow of the Late Baguma Asanasio. The FRONASA coordinator in the general areas of Isingiro played a critical role in providing logistical supplies. He also mobilised for the recruitment of other FRONASA members in the area and provided crucial information for the success of the liberation struggles and the family.
Another family visited was that of Mrs. Nastazia Nyakato, aged 104, and mother to the late Lt Col Frank Guma, who also played a significant role in both the liberation struggles of FRONASA and the National Resistance Army (NRA).
In his remarks, Brig Gen Rwashade noted that the visit aimed at renewing earlier contacts for all the supporters of the struggle.
These two homes were the connecting centers, among other homes in Kamwema, Ndinzi. “These people are very important and there is need to protect their relationship as our strategic partners. These are people that collected us food while in Tanzania, and later Mbarara followed suit. They collected information for our operations and also recruited fighters,” Brig Gen Rwashande explained.
He further stated that the information and recruitment conducted by these people were of great importance for the success of the struggle.
The 2023 CIMIC activities aim at reminding people of the bond they have with the army, one that has enabled the survival of peace and security to achieve social and economic transformation. “The two-classroom block at Mbaare Primary School is because Mbaare is the area where recruitment and training was conducted. Our intervention is to have a symbolic and permanent structure of remembrance and thank people for their contributions during the liberation of this country,” Brig Gen Rwashande said.
Meanwhile, the two families appreciated UPDF leadership for always recognizing them. Mrs. Catherine Baguma noted that the visit energizes her and thanked President Museveni for supporting them.
It should be noted that the UPDF launched its 42nd Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations early this week in Greater Mbarara Sub Region in the districts of Mbarara, Rwampara, Kazo, Kiruhura, Ibanda, Isingiro, Rwampara, and Mbarara City.
The national celebrations will be held in Mbarara City on 6th February 2023 at Kakyeka Stadium.
