In display of solidarity, army representatives from several countries across Africa joined the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to celebrate Tarehe Sita in Bugwere district on February 6, 2024, a function that was presided over by President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander in Chief of Uganda’s armed forces.
A sizable representation of the armies from neighbouring countries, including Ethiopia, Kenya, the DRC, Rwanda, and more, was in attendance at this year’s Tarehe sita celebration, which usually takes place on February 6th to commemorate the day in 1981 when the National Resistance Army (NRA), led by Yoweri Museveni, launched an armed rebellion against the government of Milton Obote.
After the 1995 Ugandan constitution was enacted, the NRA was renamed the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) and has since been a force to be reckoned with across Africa. UPDF has been on peacekeeping missions in Somalia, the DRC, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic and has bilateral relations with several countries in Africa and across the globe.
Speaking during the celebration, President Museveni underscored the collaboration of regional efforts in addressing emerging threats. “Many of the security problems are now regional. We need regional intervention, which we are working on,” he said.
He expressed satisfaction with the existing good relations with neighbouring countries and advocated for a regional approach to security challenges.
The UPDF’s discipline and professionalism have been underlined as key pillars of its success locally and on foreign missions.
According to Major Charles Kabona, Spokesperson, UPDF, 1st Infantry Division, the UPDF is one of the most disciplined forces in the world.