By Obbo Yusuf obboyusuf43@gmail.com
The minister of state for housing, Hon Percis Namuganza has lauded the Uganda People’s Defense Force UPDF for the great work done in restoring peace in the country.
Namuganza made the remarks while officiating at the 43rd tarehe sita week launch for Namutumba district
“As Busoga we are so much proud of the updf force for its help especially during the Alice Nakwendwa war, the woman who had camped in Busoga and made our people to suffer and after defeating her we never witnessed any war in Busoga” said Namuganza
It should be noted that 6th of February, holds a special place in Uganda’s history as the country commemorates the same day in 1981 when the National Resistance Army (NRA), led by Yoweri Museveni, launched an armed rebellion against the Milton Obote government.
This year’s celebrations shall take place in Busoga Bugweri District Busesa on 6th/feb 2024 under the theme: “Celebrating the people’s struggle for unity, security and peace for social economic transformation.” It’s upon this that the UPDF officers are in Busoga districts to involve in different works like assisting communities in community work, painting, renovating roads, schools, hospitals and health camps as a give back to the people .
In Namutumba district hundreds of soldiers gathered at the district headquarters to participate in the launch of Tarehe Sita celebration where the guest of honor was the Bukono constituency Member of Parliament Hon Percis Namuganza who together with other Namutumba locals, cultural, religious and political leaders thanked Updf for the good work done in protecting its citizen
The function started with tree planting as a sign of conserving the environment.
While speaking to the gathering Hon Namuganza appreciated president yk Museveni the commander of NRA by then for the fight to liberate Uganda.
She cited out the war that hit Busoga so much that came up with a one Rebel from Gulu in names of Alice Lakwenda who had crossed to Busoga from Soroti but later was over powered in jinja by NRA forces .
“The woman who appeared from soroti route, disorganized everything, her men could steal people’s food from garden and fired gunshots trans night. This came after NRA government had just captured power in 1986. when she was over powered by NRA she fled to Kenya on a bicycle and many Basoga jubilated ,some composed songs praising the NRA force that had restored peace and therefore as Nationalists we have to thank UPDF and president Museveni so much” said Namuganza
Major General Sam Kavuma who represented CDF at the launch informed the gathering that Tarehe Sita is not only a celebration of military victory but also a reminder of the ongoing commitment to economic recovery and development informing the public about the activities and good works done by updf in this week of tarehe sita
Kavuma said UPDF uses this period to share concerns with the common people and also shade a good picture for the force and the people it serves
“we have built our force on four fundamental principles, Patriotism, Pan Africanism, Social Economic Transformation and Democracy that’s why Updf has been able to even cross to other countries to keep peace ,our army is more disciplined and cooperates with the common people ,with that trick we remain the best in East Africa’’
He added that Tarehe Sita marks the beginning of a protracted liberation struggle that eventually led to the overthrow of successive regimes and the establishment of a more stable government.
General Kavuma has also pledged to support the veterans in Namutumba with a motorcycles requested under the mobilization program but asked them to work hard to change lives,
Every year, Ugandans celebrate Tarehe Sita by doing various activities. This year Busoga districts have benefited a lot in the celebrations after the construction of class blocks on various schools, medical camps that have supported many with medical support
One of the key aspects of Tarehe Sita is its role in fostering national unity and reconciliation. After the conflict, efforts were made to bring together people from different backgrounds, ethnicities, and regions to rebuild the nation collectively.
