Prime Minister Rt Hon Nabbanja Launches 45th Tarehe Sita Regional Celebrations, Lauds UPDF Professionalism
The Prime Minister of the Republic of Uganda Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja has today officially launched the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations in the Kigezi Sub-region, honouring the area’s historical support for the liberation struggle, particularly the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) activities.
The Kigezi Sub-region, comprising six districts (Rukiga, Rubanda, Rukungiri, Kanungu, Kabale and Kisoro), played a pivotal role in Uganda’s liberation struggle, serving as a base for FRONASA supporters, including late Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, David Kagoro Kangire, Bishop Festo Kivengere, Bishop Barnabas Hareimana, and others. The people of the region demonstrated unwavering support for the revolution, with some making the ultimate sacrifice.
Speaking at the Shaza Grounds in Kisoro District, Rt Hon Robinah Nabbanja commended the President and Commander in Chief of UPDF H.E Gen (Rtd) YK Museveni for his visionary leadership and guidance in building a professional, disciplined and dedicated force, ready to protect Uganda’s sovereignty and also participate in the social economic transformation.
“I thank UPDF for the professionalism and urge you to continue with the commitment of defending Uganda and supporting our communities,” she said.
She acknowledged that government will continue investing in peace, emphasizing that without peace there can’ not be development
“I thank UPDF for keeping us united and securing our borders,” she emphatically mentioned, adding that “each year as we commemorate Tarehe Sita (T6), we pay tribute to the great men and women, (dead or alive) whose sacrifices paid a new tribute to Uganda.”
She said T6 is not only a date on our calendar but remains a symbol of Pan Africanism, patriotism, unity and demonstrates partnership between Army and Civilians to achieve peace and development.
Hon Nabbanja noted that UPDF is a force that stands with the people under all circumstances, as evidenced by its recent community engagements during the COVID-19 pandemic and emergency support to victims of natural disaster.
She lauded the people of Kisoro as a border district for promoting peace, trade and enhancing regional stability.
Hon Nabbanja reminded people from Kigezi Sub-region to continue upholding the values of sacrifice, discipline, love for country and service above self, for the preservation of peace, stability and development as guided by the President.
She concluded by urging Ugandans to uphold and embrace the true spirit of patriotism, Pan Africanism, support for government initiatives towards prosperity, promotion of peace and stability.
This year’s celebrations are themed “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace, and Socio-Economic Transformation”, according to the Prime Minister highlights the importance of working together to transform our selves.
The Minister of State for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs Hon Oleru Huda Abason also appreciated the contributions of Kigezi residents in liberating Uganda. “We thank the people of Kigezi for their bravery and support to the liberation struggle,” she remarked.
She also highlighted that UPDF remains committed to serving Uganda, promoting peace and social economic transformation of the masses.
At the same function, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF) Lt Gen Sam Okiding on behalf of the CDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba honored elders from Kigezi Sub-region for fighting to stabilize Uganda, saying “we honor you, respect you and above all love you.”
He said that Tarehe Sita is the foundation of all the achievements registered as a country. “Whatever we are proud of today stands on the foundation of Tarehe Sita,” he explained.
He further mentioned that Uganda’s stability to extent of exportation of peace to the region is hinged on Tarehe Sita.
Lt Gen Okiding also noted that there is steady growth and development in the country, urging Ugandans to collectively sustain it by upholding security, being patriotics and diligently paying taxes.
UPDF’s Joint Staff Political Commissar Maj Gen Henry Masiko commended Kigezi residents for embracing the occasion and urged them to appropriately utilize the free static medical and surgical camps to be provided by UPDF as part of the several Tarehe Sita Activities.
During the commencement of the 2025 T6 activities, Rt Hon Nabbaanja was also accompanied by the Minister of State for Agriculture Animal Industries and Fisheries Maj (Rtd) Bwino Kyakulaga, Minister of State for Environment Hon Beatrice Atim Anywar, MODVA Under Secretary Finance and Administration Mrs Edith Buturo, Under Secretary Finance Air Force Mr James Mutabazi, RDC Kisoro Hajji Badru Ssebyala, LC V Kisoro Mr Abel Bizimana, CAO Kisoro John Nyakahuma, LC V Rukiga Robert Mbabazi.
Others were: Commander Armoured Division Maj Gen Deus Sande, Chief of Staff Air Force Brig Gen David Gonyi, Defence Attached DRC Brig Gen Paddy Ankunda, Commandant Oliver Tambo School of Leadership – Kaweweta Brig Gen Justus Rukondo, Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ocen, Director National Leadership Institute Kyankwanzi Col Okei Rukogota, among others.
Today’s function was also attended by area Local and religious leaders, and residents of Kigezi Sub-region.