Greater Masaka Urged to Join Tarehe Sita Celebrations

The Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj Gen Henry Matsiko, has called on residents of Masaka and Greater Masaka to actively participate in the upcoming 44th Tarehe Sita Army Week celebrations to be held in the region.

 

Speaking at a press conference at the Uganda Media Centre, Maj Gen Matsiko emphasised the importance of the event, which will officially be launched tomorrow at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs in Mbuya under the theme: “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People’s Sacrificial Struggle for Freedom, Democracy, and Socio-Economic Transformation.”

 

Maj Gen Matsiko explained that the celebrations, which mark the UPDF’s anniversary, are intended to strengthen the relationship between the army and the civilian population.

 

“February, since 1981, has been set aside to celebrate the founding of the Peoples’ Army. It symbolises and recognises the efforts of our founding fathers and the people’s revolution for freedom, democracy, and socio-economic transformation,” said Maj Gen Matsiko.

 

He also noted the significant progress in security within the Masaka region, which has experienced a return to peace and calm after years of violent activity.

 

Brig Gen Cyrus Bekunda, the Joint Staff Engineering, highlighted the army’s efforts in contributing to the development of the Masaka region through symbolic engineering projects. “The UPDF Engineers Brigade aspires to become the largest construction company in Uganda. For instance, consider the work accomplished at Namboole Stadium and the ongoing projects at Entebbe International Airport,” Brig Gen Bekunda said.

 

He revealed that a total of 29 engineering projects, including 15 schools, nine health centres, and two markets, have been implemented across the districts of Masaka. These projects, which began in December last year, will be completed and handed over to beneficiaries in time for the main celebrations.

“By the time of the celebrations, all these projects will be completed and in good condition,” he said.

 

The celebrations will be marked with medical camps, and quick impact projects among others.