Vice President Maj(Rtd) Jessica Alupo Launches Activities for Army Week and 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary at Mbuya

Mbuya, Uganda – January 29, 2025

The Vice President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Maj(Rtd) Jessica Alupo, has officially launched the commencement of activities for Army Week and the celebrations for the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) headquarters in Mbuya. The launch marks the beginning of nationwide activities that will culminate in grand celebrations on February 6, 2025, in the Greater Masaka sub-region, under the theme: “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People’s Sacrifices in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation.”

Significance of February 6, 1981, in Uganda’s History

In her keynote address, Vice President Alupo reflected on the historical significance of February 6, 1981, describing it as a defining moment in Uganda’s history. This was the day that 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,” Alupo said.

She cited the renowned philosopher Frantz Fanon, whose works inspired President Museveni’s undergraduate thesis at the University of Dar es Salaam, stating:

“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it.”

Alupo commended the UPDF for its unwavering commitment to stability and national development, recognizing it as 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.

Greater Masaka to Host the 44th Tarehe Sita Celebrations

The Vice President emphasized the strategic importance of hosting this year’s celebrations in Greater Masaka, stating that the region played a crucial role in the liberation struggle.

“Masaka played a crucial role in the resistance against bad leadership, providing support to the National Resistance Army (NRA) fighters,” she noted.

She further applauded the UPDF for extending its contributions beyond security, highlighting its involvement in:

Business and infrastructure development through the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). Construction and renovation projects such as Mandela National Stadium and key health and education facilities.

Agricultural support through Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), particularly in boosting coffee production in Greater Masaka.

She extended special appreciation to Gen (Rtd) Salim Saleh for his leadership in Operation Wealth Creation (OWC), urging continued collaboration to enhance Uganda’s agricultural productivity.

Call for Welfare Improvements for Security Forces

Alupo expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his guidance on improving the welfare of UPDF personnel. She urged Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs to continue supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the well-being of the army.

“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 emphasized. 

Minister of Defence Hails UPDF’s Role in Uganda’s Stability

The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Markson Oboth, commended the UPDF for 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 NRM’s role in promoting women in leadership, noting that Uganda has had two female Vice Presidents since 1986, a milestone that was previously unheard of.

“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,” Oboth added.

The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, reaffirmed the UPDF’s role in securing Uganda and the East African 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, he compared Uganda before 1986 to a patient in an Intensive Care Unit (ICU), stating:

“In an ICU, doctors must be patient and precise. Similarly, Uganda needed patience, resilience, and intelligence to recover.”

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.”

Lt Gen Okiding assured Ugandans that the UPDF remains committed to safeguarding Uganda’s peace and stability at all costs.

Keynote Speaker Highlights Uganda’s Political Evolution

Maj Gen (Rtd) Phinehas Manoni Katirima, delivering the keynote address, provided a historical account of Uganda’s tumultuous past and its transformation under President Museveni’s leadership.

He highlighted:

The oppressive regimes of the 1960s and 1970s, including the dictatorship of Idi Amin, which resulted in the deaths of over 500,000 Ugandans.

The role of the Tanzanian army and various liberation forces, including FRONASA under President Museveni, in ousting Amin in 1979.

The five-year guerrilla war (1981–1986) waged by the National Resistance Army (NRA) against Milton Obote’s government, leading to the NRA’s victory on January 26, 1986.

Maj Gen Katirima noted that Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown over 13 times since 1986, reaching USD 48.29 billion by the end of 2023.

Defence Forces Week Activities in Greater Masaka and Nationwide

Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissar, emphasized that this year’s theme was carefully chosen to reflect the pivotal role played by the people of Tanzania and the unique contribution of Mzee Mwalimu Julius Nyerere to Uganda’s struggle for freedom.

He announced that various Defence Forces Week activities would be conducted in:

Greater Masaka sub-region as the main host area.

All UPDF formations and units nationwide. All Ugandan military missions abroad. 

The launch of Army Week and the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations signifies Uganda’s commitment to honoring its history, celebrating its achievements, and reinforcing national unity.

The presence of ministers, Members of Parliament, former national leaders, service commanders, senior government officials, religious leaders, and UPDF officers underscored the national importance of the occasion.

As Uganda prepares for the grand Tarehe Sita celebrations on February 6, the UPDF continues to be a pillar of security, stability, and development, standing as a testament to the sacrifices made for Uganda’s liberation.