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TAREHE SITA

KAMPALA - There is pomp and pageantry at the 13th annual Tarehe Sita thanksgiving prayer celebrations, peppered with Christian songs of praise at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.

The ceremony is being marked under the theme: How can I repay the Lord for all his benefits to me? Psalms 116:12.

Army officers of different ranks and files accompanied by their spouses and in unison joyfully thanked God for the blessings and Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) contribution to the country.

They were also seen sharing their experiences.

President Yoweri Museveni, who has not yet arrived at the venue, is the Chief Guest at the UPDF thanksgiving and prayer breakfast meeting at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds today, February 29, 2024.

The guest speaker is Pastor Patience Rwabogo.

Defence ministry permanent secretary Rosette Byengoma said they are celebrating Tarehe Sita to reflect on the contribution of the UPDF to the nation.

"We pay enormous tribute to the stewardship and wise leadership of President Museveni for transforming the country for the last 38 years," she said.

Tarehe Sita is a Swahili word meaning the sixth day, which in this context is the day of February 6, 1981, when the war to fight the government born out of the disputed 1980 elections was launched with an attack on Kabamba Military Barracks.

The activities were carried out in the districts of Bugiri, Bugweri, Buyende, Iganga, Jinja, Kaliro, Kamuli, Luuka, Mayuge, Namayingo and Namutumba. This year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations were held in Bugweri district in Busoga region.

All Photos by Maria Wamala
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Here is a highlight of pictures on from the function;

President Yoweri Museveni arrives 

Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Wilson Mbadi (R) and Kale Kayihura, the former Inspector General of Police (IGP).

The guest speaker is Pastor Patience Rwabogo.

Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja and state minister for defence Jacob Markson Oboth.

Mufti Sheikh Shaban Ramadan Mubajje (R) and other religious leaders at the function.

Maj. Bilal Katamba the public information officer UPDF mountain division and operation Shujaa.

Former Prime Minister Amama Mbabazi, also the chairman of the African Global Security Foundation.

Mbabazi enjoys Christian songs of praise at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala.

CDF Mbadi remarks

The UPDF Band

Commissioner General of Prisons Dr Johnson Byabashaija.

Moment of prayer

Receiving awards