The Minister of State for Youth and Children affairs Hon. Balaam Barugahara, has expressed gratitude to the President and Commander-in-Chief H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his vision in establishing the National Resistance Army (NRA), now Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in 1981.
He credited the NRA for leading a revolutionary struggle that pacified Uganda, which was then grappling with political instability.
Hon. Barugahara made the remarks as he officiated at the District launch of the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations at St. Jude Thaddeus Primary School playground in Bukomansimbi District.
The minister urged the youth to emulate the resilience, discipline, and leadership skills exhibited by young revolutionaries of the time.
He called on them to embrace hard work, determination, and patriotism to contribute to Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
Hon. Balaam commended the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs for organising Civil-Military Cooperation Week, which has significantly impacted the Greater Masaka sub-region through the renovation of key social infrastructure, including the newly refurbished St. Morris Primary School, Kitasa.
He praised the UPDF’s long-standing cooperation with civilians, which dates back to the liberation struggle. Unlike past regimes, he noted, Ugandans now coexist harmoniously with the army, viewing them as partners in national development.
The minister encouraged Bukomansimbi’s youth to engage in coffee farming, emphasizing its role as a key agricultural product driving Uganda’s economy.
To mark Tarehe Sita 2025, Hon. Balaam planted two commemorative trees; one in honour of President Museveni and another dedicated to Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, the First Lady and Minister of Education, for her role in the liberation struggle.
The Director Defence Public Information, Maj Gen Felix Kulayigye also planted a tree on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
Maj Gen Kulayigye, who represented the CDF, emphasised the need for harmonious relations between civilians and the army, stressing that the UPDF recruits from the community and returns to it after retirement.
He reiterated the UPDF’s commitment to national security, noting that the army is now a leading force in peacekeeping across East Africa and beyond.
He encouraged the youth to take advantage of government programs aimed at eradicating poverty and improving livelihoods.
Senior UPDF officers in attendance included Brig Gen David Gonyi, Chief of Staff – Air Force; Senior officers, and local government leaders, including the Resident District Commissioner, District Internal Security Officer, District Police Commander (DPC), and LCV council leader, among others.
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