The Deputy Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah has said that the Uganda People’s Defences Force has transformed and improved its image and has now become an envy to the rest of the world.
Speaking during the launch of the army week activities ahead of the 38th Tarehe Sita celebrations, Mr Oulanyah said the UPDF and its leadership should be commended for the good works.
Mr Oulanyah who was the guest of honour at the launch at UPDF head quarters in Mbuya said that as a result of the foundation laid by UPDF, Uganda has been able to move from coups to elections.
He noted that because of the environment created by the UPDF, Uganda has had seven elections in the last 24 years as opposed to the seven coups in the days before the UPDF was put in place.
Tarehe Sita has been commemorated, since 1981, to re-affirm and strengthen the close bond between the defense forces and the wanainchi which has resulted in many happy returns for both Uganda and the region.
The Chief of Defense Forces Gen David Muhoozi explained the significance of the Tarehe Sita which will be celebrated in Kitgum.
“We celebrate our birthday and celebrate the talk of who we say we are. This event is an opportunity for public accountability, to account for our actions, misgivings and seek support to improve,” Gen Muhoozi said.
Gen Muhoozi emphasized that the UPDF has a defined duty of protecting Uganda which said this should translate in development which is sustainableand able to ensure prosperity for Ugandans.
Senior UPDF officers and other government leaders attended the launch.
The Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs Adolf Mwesige said that the set of civil-military activities of the #TareheSita2019 week are symbolic acts of the UPDF to the people of Acholi sub-region for their support in ensuring peace and security.
Eng Hilary Onek said: “We are proud of our army, it has ensured global respect for our country. Where others have failed including the US like in Somali, our army has intervened and made us proud, We really have an army to be proud of.”
Citing roads as an example, Kitgum Municipality MP Beatrice Anywar hailed the UPDF for their contribution to the stability of the country which has in turn resulted in the development of the country.
“Even if you are blind and unable to see, you can feel that the roads are smooth”.
The activities
To mark the 38th Tarehe Sita anniversary, The Uganda Peoples’Defense Forces (UPDF) will undertake a week-long activities in Northern Uganda, from running mobile health clinics to light construction works by the Engineering Brigade.
The Engineering Brigade is already working on 8 projects in the 8 districts in the Acholi sub-region i.e Agago, Pader, Gulu, Amuru, Lamwo, Omoro an Nwoya.
In Agago, the UPDF will renovate 2 classroom blocks of WOL Community School.
In Gulu, UPDF engineers will renovate a 4-classroom block at St. Kizito Agwee Primary school.
In Pader, the Engineering Brigade will undertake repairs on the ART clinic private ward and waiting shade.
In Amuru, the Brigade will complete 4 classroom blocks at Omee primary school.