As the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) prepares for the 43rd Tarehe Sita, Ugandans should take pride in celebrating the UPDF as a force dedicated to serving the people of Uganda, maintaining professionalism, and prioritizing the country’s security, national sovereignty, and regional stability.
The 43rd Tarehe Sita will be observed at Busesa in Bugweri district, Busoga Sub-Region, with the UPDF leading the celebrations on February 6th each year.
This day commemorates the five years of the National Resistance Army’s (NRA) Prolonged Guerrilla Resistance, led by President Yoweri Museveni from 1981 to 1986.
Annually, the force engages in charity activities nationwide in the week leading up to the main celebrations. UPDF officials actively participate in medical camps, cleaning activities, tree-planting campaigns, and the construction/renovation of facilities in various regions.
The UPDF’s Engineering Brigade plays a crucial role in the nation’s growth, involving itself in building projects, combat engineer training programs, and civil-military cooperation. The brigade’s involvement underscores its significance in UPDF operations and its contributions to both military and civilian initiatives.
Over the years, the UPDF, through the Engineering Brigade, has conducted extensive activities and programs as a way of giving back to communities. Notably, they played a crucial role in preparations at Entebbe International Airport for the recently concluded Non-Aligned Movements (NAM) and G77+China summits, along with road construction across the country.
Various stakeholders in the country have expressed gratitude for the UPDF Engineering Brigade’s outstanding work at Entebbe International Airport, showcasing the force’s capabilities beyond the battlefield.
Former legislator Dr. Medard Bitekyerezo commended the army, suggesting their involvement in road repairs in Kampala, stating, “These army men are amazing. Advocate for them to take on the repair of the roads in Kampala. You will be amused in a short time.”
General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, UPDF Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), emphasized that Tarehe Sita has been celebrated in all regions of Uganda on a rotational basis. This year, Bugweri District is hosting the celebrations under the theme “Coming Together is the Beginning, Staying Together is Progress, and Working Together is Success,” celebrating the people’s struggle for unity, security, and peace.
General Mbadi added that this year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations aim to raise public awareness, emphasizing the remembrance of Ugandan patriots who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Uganda. Additionally, UPDF will run programs during the celebrations to benefit local communities, focusing on prioritizing the development agenda through wealth generation, teaching patriotism, and ideological orientation.
The UPDF Engineers Brigade has notably renovated Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, and constructed health facility sites. The National Enterprise Corporation, established in 1989 by an Act of Parliament, serves as the commercial arm of the Ministry of Defence Forces and Veteran Affairs, producing goods and services beneficial to the Defence Forces and the general public.
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