The Minister of State for Micro Finance Haruna Kyeyune Kasolo, flagged off the 44th Army Week (AW) and Tarehe Sita (T6) Marathon in Kyotera district.
After participating in and completing the 8km marathon, Hon Kasolo urged residents in the Masaka Greater Region to maintain the current peace and stability, leveraging it for social-economic transformation.
“When we talk about peace, some of you joke about its presence, but see now we can even run and enjoy together with soldiers,” Hon Kasolo said. “I urge you to keep the peace and use it carefully.”
Hon Kasolo expressed gratitude to locals for participating in the marathon and to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their medical camps, construction works, donations, and ideological training in the region.
He emphasized that this showcases the UPDF’s commitment to relating with the people.
“We assure you that we are together with you as UPDF in everything,” Hon Kasolo added.
The Minister highlighted the importance of physical exercise for better health, encouraging participants to continue exercising to maintain fitness and prevent non-communicable diseases.
Hon Kasolo also stressed the need for residents to maintain discipline, similar to the UPDF, to ensure the country’s safety.
He commended President Museveni for building a strong and professional army that values the people’s contribution to the liberation struggle.
Col Robert Ngabirano, Air Force Director of Education, Sports, and Culture, on behalf of the Chief Education Sports and Culture Brig Gen Richard Karemire, praised residents for identifying with the UPDF during the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations.
He acknowledged the UPDF’s efforts in constructing classroom blocks, donating exercise books, and offering ideological training to selected schools in the region. “I thank you for running and completing the marathon,” he also noted.
The Resident District Commissioner for Kyotera district, Mr Apollo Mugume, thanked participants for completing the marathon and encouraged locals to utilize the forthcoming Tarehe Sita celebrations for self-enrichment through income-generating activities like roadside vending.
“This is a time to Kulembeka (time to look for money),” Mr Mugume said.
The marathon winners received gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with cash prizes (UGX 500,000, 400000 and 300000 respectively). Mujuni Innocent from Lwengo district won the men’s category, while Nambugo Brenda from Masaka City took the top spot in the women’s category.
This year’s celebrations are centered around the theme “Celebrating Pan African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Social Economic Transformation.”
The 44th T6 Anniversary drew participants from Masaka, Sembabule, Bukomansibi, Kalungu, Kyotera, Rakai, Lwengo, Lyantonde, Kalangala and Masaka City.