Vice President Alupo Reflects on Historical Significance of Tarehe Sita, Commends UPDF’s Role in National Development
The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Jessica Alupo has today officially launched the commencement of activities for Army Week and celebrations for the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters, Mbuya.
Vice President Alupo reflected on the historical significance of February 6, 1981, describing it as a defining moment in Uganda’s history. That day marked the beginning of Uganda’s liberation struggle under the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, culminating in the formation of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
“February 6, 1981, was a watershed moment in our country’s history, shaping its trajectory toward peace, security, stability, freedom, democracy, and socio-economic transformation,” she said.
H.E. Alupo cited renowned philosopher Frantz Fanon, whose works inspired President Museveni’s undergraduate thesis at the University of Dar es Salaam. “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it,” she quoted.
She commended the UPDF for its unwavering commitment to stability and national development, noting that the army has, over the years, become one of the most trusted institutions in Uganda.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who risked their lives to launch the pro-people struggle for liberation,” she added.
The Vice President highlighted the significance of hosting this year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations in the Greater Masaka sub-region, saying, “Masaka played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, providing support to the National Resistance Army (NRA) fighters during their resistance against bad leadership.”
She commended the UPDF’s continued contributions beyond security, citing the work of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) in business, infrastructure, and agriculture. She lauded the UPDF Engineering Brigade for its role in national projects such as the renovation of Mandela National Stadium and construction efforts in the health and education sectors.
The Vice President acknowledged the contribution of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) in boosting agricultural productivity, particularly in coffee production in Greater Masaka. She extended special appreciation to Gen (Rtd) Salim Saleh for his leadership in the program and urged continued collaboration to enhance national development.
On welfare improvements for security forces, Alupo thanked President Museveni for his guidance and urged Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs to remain supportive of efforts to enhance the welfare of UPDF personnel.
“Despite limited resources, the UPDF has achieved remarkable success. Your efficiency in utilizing available funds should be a lesson to bureaucrats in government ministries, departments, and agencies,” she said.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth hailed the UPDF’s role in rescuing Uganda from political stagnation and economic collapse.
“Before 1986, governance was based on cultural, religious, ethnic, and tribal interests rather than national unity. Today, Uganda stands tall as a beacon of hope and stability,” Oboth said.
He highlighted the NRM government’s role in promoting women in leadership, noting that Uganda has had two female vice presidents since 1986. “Before the NRM, there were no female vice presidents. Today, we have female MPs, ministers, a speaker, and a prime minister. We must thank President Museveni for this progress,” he said.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, emphasized the UPDF’s role in securing Uganda and the region.
“The 41 soldiers, of whom 27 were armed, led by President Museveni, shaped the destiny of this country. Their sacrifice brought stability and economic growth,” he said.
Using a metaphor, Lt Gen Okiding compared Uganda before 1986 to a patient in an intensive care unit. “In an ICU, doctors must be patient and precise. Similarly, Uganda needed patience, resilience, and intelligence to recover,” he noted.
He urged Ugandans to educate the youth about the country’s history and the sacrifices made to secure peace.
“Some young people think our achievements happened by chance. We must teach them that stability and development were hard-earned,” he said.
Lt Gen Okiding stressed that the UPDF remains committed to safeguarding Uganda. “On behalf of the CDF and the UPDF family, I pledge that we will protect and preserve Uganda’s peace and stability at all costs.”
Maj Gen (Rtd) Phinehas Manoni Katirima, the keynote speaker, reflecting on Uganda’s political history, highlighted the challenges of bad governance and the legacy of a colonial army, which led to the rise of multiple liberation movements.
He noted that since 1986, Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown over 13 times, reaching USD 48.29 billion by the end of 2023, attributing this progress to the leadership of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
Tracing the nation’s turbulent past, Maj Gen Katirima recounted the oppressive regimes of the 1960s and 1970s, from the rule of Milton Obote to the military dictatorship of Idi Amin, which resulted in the deaths of an estimated 500,000 Ugandans.
He acknowledged the role of the Tanzanian army and various liberation forces, including FRONASA under President Museveni, in ousting Amin in 1979.
He recounted how the National Resistance Army (NRA) waged a five-year guerrilla war against Obote’s government, culminating in the NRA’s victory and capture of power on January 26, 1986.
The UPDF, he asserted, has since maintained peace, security, and stability, earning national and international recognition for its discipline and professionalism.
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissar, emphasized that the theme was deliberately chosen to consolidate the achievements of the people’s revolution in the region, the pivotal role played by the people of the United Republic of Tanzania, and the unique contribution of Mzee Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to the struggle.
He mentioned that various activities as part of Defence Forces Week would be carried out in Greater Masaka, across all UPDF formations and units nationwide, as well as in all missions abroad.
The event marks the start of nationwide activities leading up to the grand celebrations on February 6 in Greater Masaka, under the theme “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People’s Sacrifices in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation.”
Present were ministers, Members of Parliament, former national leaders, permanent secretaries, Chief of Joint Staff Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, service commanders and service chiefs, joint staff, generals and senior officers, MODVA staff, senior government officials and presidential advisors, religious leaders, among others
