On Thursday, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Jacob Oboth Oboth reaffirmed the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) commitment to preserving and protecting the government’s achievements in the face of all challenges.
He was speaking in Sembabule district, where he presided over the regional launch of the 44th Army Week (AW) and Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations at the Ntete Primary School playground.
“The UPDF has ushered in peace and stability, which has enabled development to take place , hence making Uganda a good country,” he said.
Oboth praised the role played by people in the Greater Masaka sub-region during the liberation struggle, stating that their endless sacrifices led to the success of the people’s revolution and that the country still relies on them.
The Minister also stated that the UPDF is in the region to commemorate 44 years of peaceful existence, acquisition, and achievements.
“We are back in Masaka to trace the history of UPDFs’ footprints as part of the great history that led to the struggle for peace and security,” he added.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, praised President and Commander in Chief of the Uganda Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for stabilizing the country.
“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,” he said.
Lt Gen Okiding also stated that Ugandans made the correct decision against the Obote and Amin leadership, and that they should be rewarded, just as the UPDF is doing in its ongoing pursuit of peace and development across the country.
“When you do good, you deserve a reward,” he emphasized, noting 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 preserve the existing peace and explore opportunities for improvement through education.
“Our country is peaceful because we made it ourselves. It’s now upon us to maintain peace or let it go,” he warned.
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, UPDF Joint Staff for the Political Commissariat, stated that army week and Tarehe Sita commemorate the efforts made to liberate Uganda.
“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.
Hanifa Bangirana Kawoya, the Sembabule district woman Member of Parliament, thanked the region’s residents for their support during the revolution.
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