UPDF committed to preserving security in the country-Defense minister Oboth Oboth.
30th January 2025
The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Hon Jacob Oboth Oboth has today re-echoed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) commitment to preserve and protect the achievements of government amidst all challenges.
Hon Oboth made this remark as he presided over the regional launch of the 44th Army Week (AW) and Tarehe Sita (T6) Anniversary celebrations at Ntete Primary School play grounds in Sembabule district.
“The UPDF has ushered in peace and stability, which has enabled development to take place , hence making Uganda a good country,” he said.
He commended the role played by people in Greater Masaka Sub Region during the liberation struggle, noting that their endless sacrifices led to the success of people’s revolution, adding that the country still counts on them.
The Defence Minister also highlighted that UPDF is in the region to celebrate together with the people the 44 years of peaceful existence, acquisition and achievements.
“We are back in Masaka to trace the history of UPDFs’ footprints as part of great history that led to the struggle for peace and security,” he pronounced.
Speaking during the launch, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF) Lt Gen Sam Okiding who represented the CDF Gen David Muhoozi lauded the President and Commander in Chief of the UPDF H.E Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for stabilizing the country.
He said: ” The liberation struggle started way back but in 1981 something unique happened that saw the emergency of 41 serious fighters, of whom 27 were armed, and all ready to liberate the country from the bad leadership.”
The D/CDF also noted that Ugandans made the right decision against the Obote and Amin leadership, and that now need to be rewarded just like the UPDF is doing in it’s continous pursuit for peace and development through out the country.
” When you do good, you deserve a reward,” he emphasized.
He further noted that after pacifying the country, the UPDF now exports peace to countries like DR Congo and South Sudan and Somalia.
Lt Gen Okiding concluded by cautioning Ugandans to protect the existing peace and explore it for enhancement through education.
“Our country is peaceful because we made it ourselves. It’s now upon us to maintain peace or leave it go,” he warned.
The UPDF Joint Staff for the Political Commissariat Maj Gen Henry Masiko noted that we celebrate AW and T6 to commemorate the efforts put towards the liberation of Uganda.
He said that the 44 years theme: “Celebrating Pan African Solidarity and the Peoples’ sacrifice in the struggle for freedom and democracy for social economic development”, resonates well with the Peoples’ support during the revolution and the arrival of the Pan African spirit.
He explained that UPDF will engage in Quick Impact Projects like offering voluntary free medical services, minor construction works, financial literacy, debates and donations like scholarstic materials to selected schools; as symbolic activities to appreciate the efforts of the founding fathers of NRA.
Hon Hanifa Bangirana Kawoya, the Sembabule Member of Parliament expressed her gratitude to residents of the region for supporting the revolution.
While Hon Haruna Kasolo as Minister of State in charge of Micro Finance implored people to continue working together to fight poverty.
He also said: ” Now that wars are over, UPDF can now begin a war on poverty.”
During the event, Wazalendo sacco donated an assortment of scholarstic Secondary (224) and Primary (336) text book copies. There was also tree planting to preserve the environment and Lwebitakuli HC IV was inspected to show case the reconstruction works of the UPDF Engineering Brigade.
Tarehe Sita is ring fenced to symbolize the birth of a Peoples’ struggle. Masaka region is the main focus of the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations particularly because it has got FRONASA footprints.
The launch was also attended by Area Members of Parliament, Area Resident District Commissioners , Generals, Senior and Junior UPDF officers, Religious and local leaders, sponsors, among others
Masaka region is composed of Masaka City, Masaka district, Sembabule, Bukomansibi, Kalungu, Rakai, Kyotera, Lwengo, Lyantonde and Kalangala districts
