The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has called upon Ugandans, particularly the people of the Kigezi sub-region to join hands with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in commemorating the forthcoming 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary and Defence Forces Week.
Delivering the CDF’s message at a briefing held at the Uganda Media Centre, the UPDF Joint Staff Political Commissar, Major General Henry Masiko, stated that the Defence Forces Week activities have been scheduled earlier than usual to avoid coinciding with the national polling dates.
Gen Muhoozi, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Advisor on Special Operations, underscored Kigezi’s historical contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle, recalling its role in the early Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) operations that laid the foundation for the National Resistance Army (NRA) and, subsequently, the UPDF.
The region, he said served as a base of support for FRONASA, including Rt Hon Ruhakana Rugunda and Rt Hon Amama Mbabazi and those who departed like late Joseph Bitwari, Late James Karambuzi, Late David Kagoro Kangire, Late Bishop Festo Kivengere, among others.
“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.
He commended the people of Kigezi for their unwavering support since the early days of the struggle, noting that their commitment and sacrifices built the foundation for the peace and stability the country enjoys today.
In line with UPDF tradition, the CDF stated that the activities for the Defence Forces Week 2026 will be conducted in a spirit that reaffirms the enduring bond between the army and the people it serves.
“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.
This year’s activities will be carried out across the six districts of Kabale, Kisoro, Rukungiri, Rukiga, Rubanda, and Kanungu. Planned engagements include light quick-impact construction projects, medical and surgical outreaches, donations of scholastic materials, Directorate of Women Affairs outreach programs, and other political, ideological, and civil-military cooperation (CIMIC) initiatives.
Brigadier General Michael Kibuye, Director of Civil-Military Cooperation, said the events will document Kigezi’s unique historical experiences and foster collaboration among government agencies, corporate bodies, the media, and regional leaders. Community activities will include clean-up campaigns, tree planting, cultural performances, sports competitions, and donations to schools.
Colonel Dr Francis Xavier Bakehena, Head of Public Health in the UPDF, announced that free medical and surgical camps will be established in two locations per district to provide essential health services to the public.
Major Eng Albert Mukama, Brigade Operations and Training Officer in the Engineers Brigade, highlighted planned infrastructure projects across the six districts and three municipalities, including nine classroom blocks, five housing units, six sanitation facilities, a maternity ward, bridges, market stalls, and road upgrades, all to be completed by 6 January 2026.
The 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations is 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.”
