The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces has handed over various community projects in Bukomansimbi and Ssembabule districts as part of the 2025 Tarehe Sita celebrations.
For a long time, residents of these districts had appealed to the government for support in reconstructing schools destroyed by natural disasters. In 2024, heavy rains caused severe damage to Buda Primary School and St. Maurice Kitasa Primary School.
In response, the UPDF undertook renovations, tree planting, and general clean-up exercises across Greater Masaka to enhance human security.
The Minister of State for Luweero Triangle in the Office of the Prime Minister, Hon. Alice Karamuzi Kaboyo officiated the handover of the projects.
In Bukomansimbi, the UPDF delivered a four-classroom block at St. Maurice Kitasa Primary School and a two-classroom block at St. Matia Mulumba Buda Primary School. Meanwhile, in Ssembabule, Nyabitanga Primary School received a two-classroom block, while Rumegere Primary School got a newly constructed classroom block.
Additionally, eight mattresses and two maternity delivery beds were donated to the community.
Hon. Kaboyo praised the UPDF’s efforts, highlighting the importance of steady cooperation between the army and the local population. She urged parents to send their children to school now that the facilities had improved.
She also called upon the church and religious leaders to instil discipline among children, emphasising the need to combat negative influences from social media.
Hon. Kaboyo further encouraged residents to take health matters seriously, urging them to seek medical attention whenever necessary and utilize the provided medical equipment effectively.
Expressing gratitude for the renovated schools, the minister cited the Director Defence Public Information, Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye as an example of a responsible citizen shaped by education.
She urged community members to embrace government education programs like Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE), and the Presidential Initiative on Education.
Maj Gen Kulayigye, on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, thanked the Commander-in-Chief, President Yoweri Museveni, for prioritising projects that retrace the National Resistance Army (NRA) footprints in Greater Masaka.
He acknowledged the church’s role in establishing education systems, which have helped many Ugandans achieve academic success.
He commended the President for championing women’s emancipation, which has allowed more women to take up leadership roles. He urged youth to avoid unproductive activities and called upon parents to invest in their children’s education to nurture future leaders.
Bukomansimbi Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Kyasanku, thanked the Commander-in-Chief for the fundamental transformation of the UPDF, noting that its discipline and professionalism have made the army an institution of prestige, attracting young Ugandans to join.
The event was attended by Brig. Gen. David Gonyi, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, along with area local leaders, school head teachers, and community members.
