President Museveni has commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for maintaining peace and stability during the recent general elections.
“I want to salute the UPDF and other security forces for the robust security they provided during the recent elections. They did a very good job,” Museveni said.
The President made the remarks while officiating at the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations held at the National Teachers’ College grounds in Kabale Municipality. He was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni.
The celebrations were held under the theme “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation.”
Tarehe Sita commemorates February 6, 1981, when the armed struggle that led to Uganda’s liberation was launched with an attack on Kabamba Barracks by 43 fighters of the National Resistance Army, armed with 27 rifles.
Museveni said security agencies acted swiftly to neutralise attempts by some groups to disrupt the electoral process, enabling the country to conduct what he described as a successful democratic exercise.
“I salute the UPDF for quickly neutralising those troublemakers,” he said.
He also thanked Ugandans, particularly residents of the Kigezi sub-region, for participating in the elections and for overwhelmingly supporting the National Resistance Movement.
Reflecting on the history of the liberation struggle, Museveni urged Ugandans to narrate the country’s journey in a connected and comprehensive manner, noting that Tarehe Sita was built on earlier regional and international training efforts that strengthened the resistance movement.
On the economy, Museveni said Uganda’s growth trajectory remains strong, with the country now classified as a lower middle-income economy and targeting high middle-income status in the coming years.
“The economy of Uganda is growing very fast. We have the capability to become a high middle-income country,” he said.
He encouraged residents of Kigezi to focus on wealth creation, identifying tourism, commercial agriculture and manufacturing as key drivers of regional economic growth.
Museveni also announced plans to expand Kisoro Airport and establish an additional international airport in Kigezi to support tourism, alongside another international airport in Mbarara City to boost trade and business. He said the Mbarara facility would be larger than Entebbe International Airport.
Additionally, the President called for urgent land acquisition in Rubanda District to facilitate the establishment of a large-scale iron ore processing factory, citing the region’s rich mineral deposits.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, congratulated Museveni on his re-election on behalf of civilian staff at the ministry.
Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba also congratulated Museveni on what he described as a landslide victory in the 2026 general elections and pledged the UPDF’s continued loyalty and support.
“We shall support you as you continue to uplift the people of Uganda and sustain the socio-economic transformation journey while ensuring strategic security for the region,” Muhoozi said.
He emphasised that national unity, peace and socio-economic transformation were core principles that inspired the liberation struggle and remain vital for Uganda’s future.
Muhoozi further assured the country that the security situation remains calm, describing the elections as the most peaceful since 1996.
The UPDF Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Henry Masiko, said the anniversary marked the climax of a series of defence forces activities that began in November and were conducted in phases to accommodate the electoral period.
During the event, several senior military officers were awarded medals for their contribution to the liberation struggle and national development.
Lieutenant Moses Odongo was named the inaugural recipient of the Chief of Defence Forces award for Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year 2025 and received a cash prize of Shs10 million and a certificate.
The event was attended by the Vice President, the Chief Justice, the Deputy Speaker, the Third Deputy Prime Minister, cabinet ministers, visiting military delegations and other dignitaries.
