UPDF Leads Community Service Activities in Luweero, Arua, Kyotera and Nakasongola to Mark Tarehe Sita

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), together with the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda Prison Service, conducted a series of community service activities across several districts as part of the commemoration of the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary.

The activities were carried out in Luweero, Nakasongola, Arua and Kyotera districts. They included sanitation exercises such as cleaning markets, roads and public spaces, as well as free medical camps that provided treatment to local communities.

In Luweero District, activities were held in Luweero Town, Kasana and Wobulenzi, before extending to Katuugo, Kakooge and Migyeera in Nakasongola District.

The Commander Motorised Infantry Division, Maj Gen Charles Byanyima, underscored the historical contribution of the Luweero Triangle to Uganda’s liberation struggle.

“The support for this peace originated significantly from the Luweero Triangle, which contributed greatly by feeding soldiers, offering personal support, and allowing their children to join the struggle to liberate Uganda,” said Maj Gen Byanyima.

He highlighted the symbolic importance of returning annually for community service, stating, “If you can’t understand where you came from, you can’t know where you are heading to.”

The Resident District Commissioner of Luweero, Mr Bakunda Abel Mushambo, said the people of the Luweero Triangle paid a heavy price during the liberation struggle, including the loss of relatives, yet remained resilient in their support.

Similar activities were conducted in Arua City where UPDF personnel, alongside sister security agencies, cleaned areas around Arua Regional Referral Hospital and Arua Main Market in Arua Central Division. The Resident City Commissioner of Arua, Maj (rtd) Betty Otekat Akello, said the activities reinforced the spirit of working together for national unity and socio-economic transformation.

Lt Col George Okello, Commanding Officer of the 55 Battalion, said the anniversary honours the gallant freedom fighters whose contributions remain evident today.

In Kyotera District, officers and men of the Armoured Division also marked the anniversary with town-cleaning exercises. The activities attracted leaders including the Resident District Commissioner, Mr Matia Kagugube, and local residents.

On behalf of the Armoured Division Commander, Maj Fred Malegano thanked the people of Kyotera for their cooperation and support, and extended festive season wishes to the community.

Tarehe Sita commemorates the launch of the armed struggle on 6 February 1981 and honours the sacrifices of freedom fighters that culminated in the 1986 liberation. The 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations are 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.”