The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Jacob Oboth-Oboth has officially announced that Greater Masaka region will host this year’s 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations which will also serves as a platform for government and Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to engage with and give back to the community.
Revolved around the theme: “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-economic Transformation,” the celebrations will commemorate a pivotal moment in Uganda’s history .
Speaking at the consultative meeting with regional Members of Parliament at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Headquarters in Mbuya, Minister Oboth-Oboth expressed his appreciation for the longstanding partnership between UPDF and the people of Masaka.
“I want to congratulate the people of Greater Masaka for being so lucky to be chosen for this year’s celebration. It takes the effort of the Ministry and the Army together to give back to the community,” Oboth said.
Oboth-Oboth emphasized the unique significance of Tarehe Sita, which commemorates the launch of the National Resistance Army’s (NRA) liberation struggle on February 6, 1981, through giving back to the community.
“It is the only government initiative that gives back without formalities, involving itself in tangible projects that people can see, however small,” he stated.
Chief of Joint Staff Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba highlighted the historical importance of Tarehe Sita, noting that since 1981, it has symbolized the partnership between the army and the Ugandan populace.
“Every February 6, commencing from 1981, the army and the people of Uganda join hands during the Defense Forces Week to engage in activities aimed at cementing the strategic relationship that exists between the population and the defense forces,” he stated.
He also pointed out Masaka’s critical role in Uganda’s liberation, stating, “In the final phase of the armed struggle (1985-1986), Masaka was the launch pad of the decisive battles before the fall of Kampala.”
Theodore Ssekikubo, the Member of Parliament for Lwemiyaga County, expressed pride in hosting the celebrations in the Masaka sub-region, emphasizing the importance of the date.
“We are proud to be associated with the 6th of February, the launch of the liberation of our country, Uganda,” Ssekikubo said.
He commended the UPDF’s per-celebration activities, which include constructing school structures and providing free medical services.
“This makes it most relevant when people benefit directly from the UPDF and share in the achievements of the liberation of this country,” he added.
The celebrations will take place across several districts, including Bukomansimbi, Kalangala, Kalungu, Kyotera, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Masaka, Masaka City, Rakai, and Sembabule, culminating in Kyotera District on February 6, 2025. Various activities are planned to honor this significant day.
The Tarehe Sita event is held rotationally in different regions, with previous celebrations taking place in the Busoga and Mbarara sub-regions.
The upcoming Tarehe Sita Anniversary in Greater Masaka is not just a celebration of Uganda’s past but also a reaffirmation of the commitment to socio-economic transformation through unity and sacrifice.
