Kampala |Jessica Alupo, Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, officially launched army week activities and the 44th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations on Wednesday.
The lunch was held at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala.
Alupo reflected on February 6, 1981, describing it as “a watershed moment in Ugandan history.” That day marked the beginning of Uganda’s liberation struggle, led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
It resulted in the formation of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
“February 6, 1981, was a watershed moment in our country’s history, shaping its trajectory toward peace, security, stability, freedom, democracy, and socio-economic transformation,” she said.
The Vice President also cited renowned philosopher Frantz Fanon, whose works inspired President Museveni’s undergraduate thesis at the University of Dar es Salaam.
“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it,” she quoted.
She praised the UPDF for its unwavering commitment to national stability and development, noting that the army has evolved into one of Uganda’s most trusted institutions over the years.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who risked their lives to start the pro-people struggle for liberation,” she said.
The country’s number two emphasized the importance of hosting this year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations in the Greater Masaka sub-region, stating that “Masaka played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, providing support to the National Resistance Army (NRA) fighters during their resistance against bad leadership.”
She lauded the UPDF Engineering Brigade for its role in national projects such as the renovation of Mandela National Stadium and construction efforts in the health and education sectors.
The Vice President also acknowledged Operation Wealth Creation (OWC)’s contribution to increasing agricultural productivity, particularly in Greater Masaka coffee production.
On welfare improvements for security forces, Alupo thanked President Museveni for his guidance and urged Parliament’s Defence and Internal Affairs Committee to continue to support efforts to improve the welfare of UPDF personnel.
“Despite limited resources, the UPDF has accomplished remarkable results. “Your efficiency in utilizing available funds should serve as a lesson to bureaucrats in government ministries, departments, and agencies,” she stated.
Jacob Markson Oboth, Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, praised the UPDF’s efforts to rescue Uganda from political stagnation and economic collapse.
“Before 1986, governance was based on cultural, religious, ethnic, and tribal interests rather than national unity. Today, Uganda stands tall as a beacon of hope and stability,” Oboth said.
“Before the NRM, there were no female vice presidents. Today, we have female MPs, ministers, a speaker, and a prime minister. We must thank President Museveni for this progress,” he said.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, emphasized the UPDF’s role in securing Uganda and the region.
“The 41 soldiers, of whom 27 were armed, led by President Museveni, shaped the destiny of this country. Their sacrifice brought stability and economic growth,” he said.
Lt Gen Okiding compared Uganda before 1986 to a patient in an intensive care unit. “In an ICU, doctors must be patient and precise. Similarly, Uganda needed patience, resilience, and intelligence to recover,” he noted.
He urged Ugandans to educate their children about the country’s history and the sacrifices made to maintain peace.
“Some young people think our achievements happened by chance. We must teach them that stability and development were hard-earned,” he said.
Lt Gen Okiding stressed that the UPDF remains committed to safeguarding Uganda. “On behalf of the CDF and the UPDF family, I pledge that we will protect and preserve Uganda’s peace and stability at all costs.”
Maj Gen (Rtd) Phinehas Manoni Katirima reflected on Uganda’s political history, highlighted the challenges of bad governance and the legacy of a colonial army, which led to the rise of multiple liberation movements.
He noted that Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has increased by more than 13 times since 1986, reaching USD48.29 billion by the end of 2023, and attributed this progress to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
Maj Gen Katirima traced Uganda’s turbulent past, recounting oppressive regimes of the 1960s and 1970s, from Milton Obote’s rule to Idi Amin’s military dictatorship, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 500,000 Ugandans.
He acknowledged the role of the Tanzanian army and other liberation forces, including FRONASA under President Museveni, in deposing Amin in 1979.
He described how the National Resistance Army (NRA) fought a five-year guerrilla war against Obote’s government, culminating in the NRA’s victory and seizing power on January 26, 1986.
He asserted that the UPDF has since maintained peace, security, and stability, earning national and international recognition for its discipline and professionalism.
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissar, emphasized that the theme was deliberately chosen to consolidate the region’s people’s revolution achievements, the pivotal role played by the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, and Mzee Mwalimu Julius Nyerere’s unique contribution to the struggle.
He stated that various activities as part of Defence Forces Week would take place in Greater Masaka, across all UPDF formations and units nationwide, and in all missions overseas.
The Wednesday launch kicks off national activities leading up to the grand celebrations on February 6 in Greater Masaka, with the theme “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People’s Sacrifices in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation.”
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