The Uganda People’s Defence Forces have officially launched the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations, with this year's main events set for the Kigezi subregion. The launch ceremony at Mbuya UPDF Headquarters in Kampala was officiated by former Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi, who revealed a previously untold historical detail about the day's significance.
The stage is set for the 45th anniversary of Tarehe Sita, marking the day the NRA rebellion began. A high-profile gathering of ministers, army officers, Members of Parliament, and a delegation from Kigezi witnessed the launch.
Officiating the ceremony, former Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Amama Mbabazi expressed honour at launching the celebrations. He explained that Tarehe Sita is more than just a date—it is a powerful symbol of resilience and a reminder of the young men and women who sacrificed everything for a new Uganda.
In a significant historical revelation, Mbabazi disclosed that the anniversary date was originally planned for February 5th. He recounted that the President personally visited him to explain the reason for the change, ultimately shifting it to February 6th—the day the seminal attack on Kabamba Barracks was actually carried out.
The State Minister for Veteran Affairs, Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, praised the soldiers who liberated the country. She credited the armed forces for ensuring the security that allows Uganda to move decisively towards socio-economic and political transformation.
Echoing the theme of preserving national achievements, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt. Gen. Sam Okiding, framed the UPDF's role using scripture. He quoted, “Lead out those who have eyes but are blind, who have ears but are deaf,” emphasising the army's duty to educate the nation about the gains made.
However, a note of sober reflection came from guest speaker Professor Ezra Suruma. While acknowledging the honour of hosting the event, he highlighted that many in the Kigezi region still live in what he called "subhuman conditions," facing food insecurity and poor sanitation. He urged the government to uplift living standards across the entire country.
Outlining the practical benefits of the celebrations, Hon. Kajwengye described Tarehe Sita as an opportunity for the UPDF to extend vital services to the Kigezi subregion. These interventions are set to include the construction of hospitals, the cleaning of bridges, and the treatment of the sick.
As preparations now move to Kabale for the 45th Tarehe Sita, the message from the launch was clear: a dual focus on honouring the profound sacrifices of the past while actively working to improve the lives of Ugandans in the present.
