As part of the ongoing 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary activities, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) teamed up with residents of Rweshama Landing Site in Rukungiri District for a major community cleanup along the shores of Lake Edward, reinforcing the spirit of service and solidarity that defines the annual celebrations.
What began as a routine commemoration quickly transformed into a powerful display of civil–military cooperation, bringing together UPDF personnel, the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), local leaders, and ordinary residents — all working hand-in-hand to improve hygiene in one of the district’s busiest fishing hubs.
Maj MK Wanbuzi, the Officer in Charge of Nchwera Barracks, led the day’s activities and said the choice of Rweshama carried deep historical significance for the UPDF.
“We are celebrating this 45th Tarehe Sita here at Rweshama Landing Site to show the people who stay in this area that we appreciate them for helping us during the difficult transition from the previous hostile government between 1981 and 1986,” he said.
He explained that beyond honouring history, the cleanup was intended to promote public health in a community whose livelihood depends on the lake..“We are happy to be with the people, to clean and make sure this place is free of diseases that come from poor hygiene, especially in water-body areas,” he added.
The activity stretched across several key communal points, including Bugangari Health Centre IV and the surrounding trading centre. Lt George Ntungire, FPU Sector Commander for Lake Edward, officially launched the exercise, applauding both residents and leaders for their turnout.
“Today we have launched one of the Tarehe Sita activities here at Rweshama Landing Site together with the fishing community. We are lucky to have been joined by local leaders, making this exercise successful,” Lt Ntungire said.
He also thanked the UPDF leadership for continuing to prioritise community outreach.
“I take this opportunity to thank the UPDF leadership for coming back to the community and working together, showing solidarity with the civilian population,” he added.
For locals, the visit was more than a cleanup — it was a reaffirmation of their long-standing relationship with the UPDF.
Mr Komugisha Hakib, Chairman of Rweshama Landing Site, expressed heartfelt gratitude.
“I thank H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the UPDF at large for coming here to celebrate this 45th Tarehe Sita with us… the activities have been a great success,” he said.
He added that the community remains fully supportive of development initiatives brought by the UPDF.
“With one heart, we and the entire Rweshama community thank the President for this initiative,” he concluded.
By the close of the day, heaps of collected waste, cleared pathways, and freshly cleaned public spaces stood as visible evidence of the partnership between the army and the community — a partnership grounded in shared responsibility, health awareness, and unity.
The cleanup not only honoured Tarehe Sita’s historical roots but also strengthened bonds between the UPDF and the people they continue to serve.
