Business and traffic came to a brief stand-still when the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) Armoured Brigade Kasijagirwa stormed the streets with pomp to mark the climax of the Tarehe Sita celebrations.

The troops accompanied by sister forces from Prisons, Police, reserve forces and some community members, caused excitement along several streets of Masaka city with a brass band and war songs chanting today.

Earlier, the troops cleaned the areas of Nyendo in Masaka city, the districts of Bukomansimbi, Kalungu, Lwengo, Ssembabule, Kyotera, Rakai and Lyantonde with medical camps that offered free checkups and treatment.

 The matching exercise was concluded at 1 pm at Armored Brigade Barracks where the Masaka RDC, Teopista Ssenkungu commended the soldiers for being a pro-people professional force that has ably maintained peace and stability in the country and the region.

“We must appreciate President Museveni for building a model force that has maintained peace and stability to ensure economic growth,” she said.

Masaka Resident City Commissioner (RCC), Ronald Katende warned the army officers and other security personnel against reckless lifestyles that may ruin their health. 

He also noted that security officers must learn to save money to plan for their retirement.  “Saving culture should not be taken lightly to secure a healthy life during retirement, avoid a wasteful lifestyle,” he said.

Beth Nakayiza, the Masaka City Market Vendors’ Association chairperson, who joined the matching, told New Vision that the UPDF discipline exhibited by the soldiers should be appreciated.  

“We used to fear being sexually abused in the past and that scare contributed to our setback. The women can freely participate in the development and social programmes because of the prevailing security," she said.