Ugandans have been advised to continuously build and sustain the strategic relationship with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF). This was said by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda and leader of Government business Rt Hon Ruhakana Rugunda as he officiated at the 2019 regional launch of the 38th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations in Acholi sub-region at Kitgum Core Primary Teachers’ College.
Hon Rugunda noted that the emergence of UPDF is a fundamental change in the history of Uganda since it has managed to secure both the country and beyond; basing on the clear political vision and analysis of the Commander-in-Chief Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.”UPDF is a product of a deliberate analysis by its leadership that provides logical solutions to the problems of the day by creating a special relationship with the civilian community in all its operations,” he said.
He added that the special bond between UPDF and the people must be consolidated for the country to be more secure so that people concentrate on developing both the country and themselves. Hon Rugunda commended the people of Acholi for standing together with the UPDF in liberating Uganda from Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army. ” Acholi sub-region has benefitted from UPDF because of its relationship in eliminating negative forces,” noting that instead of People away to the bushes whenever UPDF advanced, they ran to UPDF camps because of its pro-people ideology and discipline.
Uganda’s Prime Minister implored UPDF troops to maintain the trust and confidence that has been entrusted in them by the people to ensure maximum peace and stability.
The Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veteran Affairs Hon Lt Col (Rtd) Bright Rwamirama on behalf on the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs Hon Adolf Mwesige lauded the people from Acholi Sub-region for acknowledging the role of having a secure country so that development and prosperity can take root. He observed that the contributions of both UPDF and the people cannot be under scored because of the heroic sacrifices made in liberating the country.
Hon Rwamirama applauded UPDF for defending the freedom, strength, honor and integrity of citizens and encouraged communities to recognize the heroic sacrifices performed by the few NRA/UPDF fighters and other civilians who led the path to democracy, peace, development and socio-economic transformation. “Tarehe Sita celebrations show Ugandans that UPDF identifies with them in all circumstances,” Hon Rwamirama noted, saying that the Commander-in Chief recognizes the shared concern between UPDF and civilians in securing the country.
The Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi reminded the Acholi sub region not to forget the big strides UPDF has achieved in safeguarding the country. He said it is cardinal for both civilians and UPDF to celebrate the birth of UPDF because of the collective peace that is enjoyed by everybody.
However, Gen Muhoozi urged Ugandans to exploit the existing peace for personal development and further promised to deploy a battalion that will act as a back-up force in ensuring the status-quo in Apaa area. The CDF also requested Karamajongs to be disciplined in their search for water and pasture for their animals.
The Deputy Chief Political Commissar Col Ba-Hoku Barigye commended the Acholi community for working with UPDF in ousting negative forces, saying the strategic bond between the army and the people has created the current peace after a long protracted struggle that finally ousted LRA rebels.
The chairman L.C 5 Kitgum on behalf of all local council five chairmen thanked the Army leadership for choosing Acholi sub-region to host Tarehe Sita activities and welcomed the UPDF into the region.
Notably , Hon Beatrice Anywar the Kitgum member of parliament enumerated achievements of UPDF and promised to be the force’s ambassador in the region to defend the sacrifices made by the Army that led to visible development.
The regional launch was also attended by the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Hon Okello Oryem, Minister of Disaster Preparedness and Refugees Hon Hillary Onek, Commander Land Forces Maj Gen Peter Elwelu, Commander Air Force Maj Gen James Lutaya, Area Members of Parliament, District Local Council persons, religious leaders, UPDF Chiefs and directors, among others.
