In the event of the upcoming Tahere Sita celebrations, the UPDF has taken it upon itself to give back to the people of Uganda in different aspects.
Tarehe Sita is a swahilli word meaning the sixth day, which in this context is the 06th February 1981 when the war to fight the government characterized by dictatorship, unconstitutional governance, state oppression, and violation of human rights, was launched with an attack on Kabamba military barracks. This birthed the National Resistance Army which later turned into the UPDF.
The UPDF has since adopted the tradition of celebrating Tarehe Sita on a regional rotational basis where it carries out various civil-military activities intended to thank and give back as a token of appreciation to the Ugandans.
Hon. Jacob Marksons Oboth, The Minister of State for Defense in charge of general duties on the 29th of January 2022 launched the 41st Tahere Sita anniversary celebrations in Mbale city.
He credited the government for advocating for the growth of the country as well as Mbale city and went ahead to commend the UPDF for playing a vital role in shaping Uganda into what it is today.
“We are here to reawaken ourselves on the contributions of those who sacrificed to liberate Uganda. We thank them for shaping our country,” he said.
The Minister for Karamoja Affairs Mary Goretti Kimono Kitutu also launched the Tarehe Sita Anniversary Civil-Military activities and Defence Forces Week at Bumbo town council in Namisindwa district and praised the UPDF for the good work they are doing to the world.
The UPDF soldiers have been seen in different parts of the country including Entebbe Sironko, the Elgon region, cleaning communities, visiting schools, sensitizing and giving back to people in hospitals by offering medicine, free dental & eye care, antenatal care, and free Male Circumcision., making donations to the people in market areas as well as giving reflector jackets to Boda Boda riders for road purposes to mention but a few.
The UPDF engineers brigade civil works also renovated a two-classroom block at Salikwa Primary School in Sironko District as part of the Tarehe Sita activities, renovated Mbale Army Spouses Workshop in Bugema barracks and also constructed two classroom blocks at Bumayoka School, staff quarters at Bukigai health center and a pupils’ dormitory for children with disabilities at Manjiya school, in Bududa district.
It is to be noted that men in uniform have always given back to the country and not only during the Tahere Sita celebrations but every day of their lives. The UPDF has countless times ensured that the country is safe. The recent attempts to fight terrorism cannot be left out.
When the country was facing terror attacks in November last year, the army took it upon itself to ensure that we were safe. They have been able to defeat this act of cowardice by hunting down terrorists and destroying their hide outs and cells.
We ought to celebrate the men in green for their professionalism and discipline. They are the country’s heroes.
