Vice President Alupo Launches Army Week and Tarehe Sita Celebrations

The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo, today officially launched the commencement of Army Week and the celebrations for the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya. The event marked the beginning of activities leading up to the grand celebrations of Uganda’s liberation struggle.

In her address, Vice President Alupo reflected on the historical significance of February 6, 1981, the day that marked the start of Uganda’s liberation war under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. She described the date as a watershed moment in Uganda’s history, one that reshaped the country’s path toward peace, security, democracy, and socio-economic progress.

“February 6, 1981, was a defining moment in our country’s history,” she said. “It shaped the trajectory toward freedom, security, and national development.”

Alupo also quoted philosopher Frantz Fanon, whose works inspired President Museveni’s thesis at the University of Dar es Salaam: “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it.” She praised the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their continued dedication to peace and national development, emphasizing the army’s significant role in stabilizing the country.

The Vice President highlighted the importance of this year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations being held in the Greater Masaka sub-region, acknowledging Masaka’s key role in the liberation struggle.

She commended the UPDF for its work beyond security, particularly the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC), which has contributed to infrastructure, business, and agriculture. She also lauded the UPDF Engineering Brigade for its involvement in major national projects such as the renovation of Mandela National Stadium and various health and education initiatives.

Alupo also recognized the contribution of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) in boosting agricultural productivity in Greater Masaka, especially in coffee production, and praised Gen (Rtd) Salim Saleh for his leadership in the program.

Turning to the welfare of security forces, Alupo expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his continued guidance and urged Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs to remain supportive of efforts to improve the welfare of UPDF personnel.

Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, also spoke at the event, hailing the UPDF’s role in rescuing Uganda from political and economic stagnation. He highlighted the progress Uganda has made in promoting women in leadership roles, pointing to the appointment of two female vice presidents since 1986 and the increasing presence of women in Parliament and other leadership positions.

Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, emphasized the sacrifices made by the 41 soldiers, led by President Museveni, whose actions secured the country’s stability. He compared Uganda before 1986 to a patient in an ICU, requiring patience and precision to recover. He urged Ugandans to educate the youth on the sacrifices that were made to secure peace and development.

Maj Gen (Rtd) Phinehas Manoni Katirima, the keynote speaker, reflected on Uganda’s political history, recalling the oppressive regimes of the 1960s and 1970s, which led to the rise of liberation movements. He acknowledged the crucial role of the Tanzanian army and the National Resistance Army (NRA) in ousting Idi Amin and the eventual capture of power by the NRA in 1986.

Maj Gen Katirima attributed Uganda’s economic growth to the leadership of President Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM), noting that the country’s GDP has grown over 13 times since 1986.

Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissar, highlighted that the theme for this year’s celebrations,“Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People’s Sacrifices in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation”, acknowledges the contributions of neighboring countries and the leadership of Mzee Mwalimu Julius Nyerere in the struggle.

The launch event marked the beginning of a series of activities that will take place in Greater Masaka, across all UPDF units nationwide, and in international missions. The celebrations will culminate on February 6, 2025, in Greater Masaka.

The event was attended by ministers, Members of Parliament, former national leaders, senior government officials, religious leaders, and top military officers.