Rukungiri – The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) on Wednesday, officially launched the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations in Rukungiri District, marking the beginning of a series of events to commemorate the country’s liberation struggle.
The launch, held at Kakonkomo Primary School in Rukungiri Municipality, was graced by the Minister of Security, Rt. Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, who praised the UPDF for its commitment to serving the people of Uganda.
“The army is for the people, and the army works for you,” he said, urging communities to support the UPDF in its mission to preserve peace and security.
The Minister also honored Uganda’s freedom fighters, including Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, and Bishop Festo Kivengere, among others, who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberation.
“I want to thank God that am still alive to witness the fruits we fought for,” he said, noting that the country has defeated several rebel groups such as the Allied Democratic Fotces and has registered significant development gains, including improved road infrastructure in Rukungiri.
He further lauded President Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for maintaining a professional and disciplined force, and commended the district leadership for continuously working closely with UPDF to improve Peoples’ lives.
The Minister also encouraged them to safeguard the peace and achievements that the country has attained.
Gen (Rtd) Kale Kayihura, who accompanied the Minister, emphasized the strong relationship between the UPDF and the civilian population, calling it a cornerstone of national stability. He applauded UPDF for remaining a pro-people army.
The Commandant Oliver Reginald Tambo School of Leadership and Pan Africanism Center of Excellence in Kaweweta Brig Gen Justus Rukondo representing the Joint Staff Political Commissar Maj Gen Henry Masiko, explained the significance of Tarehe Sita, commemorating the first attack on Kabamba in 1981, which marked the beginning of the liberation struggle and highlighted the various activities being carried out in the region, including construction projects and medical outreaches, for example the construction of a class room block at Kakonkomo Primary School and a medical waste incinerator at Bugangari.
The RDC of Rukungiri Mr Brown Kinkashemeza, praised UPDF for the existing peace not only in Rukungiri but across Uganda. ” In Rukungiri, people sleep peacefully even outside without fear. We thank God for those who brought this peace, both leaving and departed,” he remarked.
The event was also attended by Joint Staff Policy and Strategy Maj Gen Don Nabasa, Maj Gen (Rtd) Gavas Mugyenyi, Chief of Staff Air Force Brig Gen David Gonyi, Senior and Junior UPDF officers, militants, and hundreds of residents.
