The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has urged Ugandans to stand in solidarity with the UPDF as the country prepares to mark the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary and Defence Forces Week, to be held in the Kigezi sub-region early next year.
Delivering Gen Muhoozi’s message at a press briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre, the UPDF Joint Staff Political Commissar, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, explained that this year’s commemorative activities have been scheduled ahead of time to prevent overlap with national polling dates.
In his message, Muhoozi paid tribute to the people of Kigezi for their critical role in Uganda’s liberation struggle, recalling that the region was instrumental in the early Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) operations that birthed the National Resistance Army (NRA) and the modern-day UPDF.
“The people of this region stood with the revolutionaries during the most difficult times of the 1970s and, to some extent, paid the ultimate price with their blood,” he said.
The CDF highlighted the contributions of key figures from Kigezi, including Rt Hon Ruhakana Rugunda, Rt Hon Amama Mbabazi, and fallen heroes such as Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, David Kagoro Kangire, and Bishop Festo Kivengere, describing them as the “pillars of the liberation struggle.”
Gen Muhoozi commended the region for maintaining its strong bond with the UPDF, saying this partnership continues to safeguard the peace and development achieved since the revolutionary days.
“On such occasions, we remember and appreciate the people’s support, which has enabled the NRA/UPDF to register success after success, culminating in the final defeat of the dictatorships that used to oppress the people they were meant to protect and lead towards prosperity,” he added.
Under his guidance, the UPDF will dedicate the Defence Forces Week 2026 to strengthening civil–military relations through activities that serve local communities and celebrate Kigezi’s historic role in shaping Uganda’s destiny.
The commemorative week will be held across Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Rukiga, Rubanda, and Kanungu districts, with programs ranging from construction projects and medical outreaches to environmental and educational initiatives.
According to Brigadier General Michael Kibuye, the Director of Civil-Military Cooperation, the week-long activities will document Kigezi’s liberation heritage and foster collaboration between the army, civil authorities, and corporate entities. Community events will include tree planting, clean-up drives, sports competitions, and cultural showcases.
Colonel Dr Francis Xavier Bakehena, the Head of Public Health in the UPDF, announced that free medical and surgical camps will be set up in two locations per district, offering services to thousands of residents.
Meanwhile, Major Eng Albert Mukama, the Operations and Training Officer in the Engineers Brigade, said the army will undertake major infrastructure projects, including nine classroom blocks, five housing units, six sanitation facilities, a maternity ward, bridges, market stalls, and road upgrades, all scheduled for completion by January 6, 2026.
This year’s commemoration will run under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socioeconomic Transformation.”
Through his message, Gen Muhoozi reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to protecting the revolution’s achievements while promoting unity and national development.
He reminded Ugandans that Tarehe Sita is not only a remembrance of the past but also a celebration of the people’s enduring partnership with their army in building a peaceful and prosperous nation.
