Premier Nabbanja launches 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kisoro

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The 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations have kicked off in 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.

The area served as a base for FRONASA supporters, including the late Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi, David Kagoro Kangire, Bishop Festo Kivengere, Bishop Barnabas Hareimana, and others. 

According to records, the communities in the region demonstrated unwavering support for the revolution, with some making the ultimate sacrifice.

Tarehe Sita, marked every February 6, to commemorate the beginning of the National Resistance Army and the armed struggle.

During the launch at the Shaza Grounds in Kisoro District, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja on Tuesday commended President Yoweri Museveni for what she described as 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. General Museveni is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People's Defence Forces.

“I thank UPDF for the professionalism and urge you to continue with the commitment of defending Uganda and supporting our communities,” she said.

A release from the Directorate of Communications at the Ministry of Defence and Veterans' Affairs (MoDVA) states that the Premier emphasised the Government's commitment to continue investing in peace, emphasising that without peace, there can not be development.

“I thank UPDF for keeping us united and securing our borders,” she stated, 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 Tarehe 6 is not only a date on our calendar but remains a symbol of Pan Africanism, patriotism, unity and demonstrates partnership between the Army and Civilians to achieve peace and development.

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 disasters.

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, and 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, highlighting the importance of working together to transform ourselves.

MODVA Hon. Oleru Huda Abason giving her remarks during the 45th region launch at Kisoro. (Courtesy)

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 and economic transformation of the masses.

Deputy CDF Lt Gen. Sam Okiding giving his remarks at the regional launch of 45th Tarehe Sita in Kisoro district. (Courtesy)

At the same function, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces (D/CDF) Lt Gen. Sam Okiding, on behalf of the CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, hailed elders from Kigezi sub-region for fighting to stabilise Uganda, saying “we honour 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 the 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 patriotic, 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 utilise 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, Nabbanja was in the company of several government officials, including ministers, including Maj. (Rtd) Bwino Kyakulaga (State for Agriculture, Animal Industries and Fisheries), Beatrice Atim Anywar (Minister of State for Environment ), 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, and LC V Rukiga Robert Mbabazi.

Others were: Commander Armoured Division Maj. Gen. Deus Sande, Chief of Staff, Air Force Brig. Gen. David Gonyi, Defence Attaché 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.

Local and religious leaders were among and hundreds of residents of the Kigezi sub-region at the events.