By Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
The Kigezi subregion has been selected to host the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations next year.
The announcement was made at the Deputy Director of Defence Public Information, Col. Henry Obbo at Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday.
Col. Obbo who was represented by Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko said Kigezi was chosen because of its historical contribution to Uganda’s liberation journey, especially during the 1970s and early 1980s, supporting the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) and later the National Resistance Army (NRA), providing logistical, moral, and human support to the fighters.
“This is a symbolic choice. Kigezi contributed immensely to the liberation struggle, and as we celebrate 45 years of the people’s army, we return to the roots of sacrifice and patriotism,” said Maj. Gen. Masiko.
The force further highlighted some of the community-oriented activities designed to deepen civil–military relations ahead of the celebrations on February 6, next year. These will include ideological orientation seminars for youth and religious leaders, veterans’ conferences, community barazas, radio talk shows, tree planting, and community cleaning drives in major towns across Kigezi.
In addition, the UPDF’s Department of Public Health has lined up extensive medical outreach programmes in all six districts.
“We shall hold medical and surgical camps in every district, including eye and dental care services. Mobile teams will reach even the remotest communities,” said an official from the UPDF Health Department.
The army will also donate mattresses and delivery beds to health facilities with limited maternity equipment.
“Some mothers have been delivering on the ground, but that will no longer be the case,” he said.
Maj. Masiko also noted that the region (Kigezi) will benefit from several community infrastructure projects spearheaded by the UPDF Engineers Brigade beginning November 13, 2025, through January 6, 2026.
Major Engineer Albert Mukama Ayebare, the Operations and Training Officer, revealed that projects will include:
Construction of nine classroom blocks and five housing unit, Building six sanitation facilities and three bridges, Erection of a market stall, an incinerator, and upgrading of a historical monument
“These projects were identified by district leaders and the Defence Organizing Committee to respond to immediate community needs in education, health, and infrastructure,” said Maj. Eng. Ayebare.
The force will also host the inter-district sports tournaments, cultural galas, and school support programmes.
“Needy pupils will receive scholastic materials, and winners of sports competitions will be rewarded with livestock prizes such as cows and goats,” said UPDF
According to Col. Obbo, these activities are meant to celebrate the unity between the people and their army, a bond that has been the foundation of Uganda’s peace and stability.
“Tarehe Sita is not just a celebration of history; it is a renewal of our national spirit,” Maj. Gen. Masiko said. “The people and their army are one together, we defend the gains of the revolution.”
The 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations will climax in February 2026, with national events hosted in Kigezi. The celebrations will run under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honoring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace, and Socio-Economic Transformation.”
