Tarehe Sita: UPDF troops in Karamoja treated to traditional luncheon
The deputy commander of the 3rd Infantry division Brig. Gen. Allan Kyangungu, among other officers, joined the soldiers during the luncheon served at the officers’ mess compound inside the Moroto barracks.
UPDF soldiers line upfor a meal in Moroto Barracks. (Credit: Olandason Wanyama)
KARAMOJA - The men and women of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in Karamoja sub-region were treated to a special luncheon in honour of their service as they commemorated Tarehe Sita on February 6, 2026.
The menu of authentic cuisine included: chicken, chevon (goat's meat) steamed beef, millet bread, mashed matooke, rice, steamed greens and posho.
The sumptuous meal for over 500 soldiers was courtesy of the third infantry division commander, Gen. Wilberforce Sserunkuma.
Excited, soldiers described the meal, the first of its kind, as a true honour of the mighty Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces-UPDF.
The deputy commander of the 3rd Infantry division Brig. Gen. Allan Kyangungu, among other officers, joined the soldiers during the luncheon served at the officers’ mess compound inside the Moroto barracks.
In his address, Kyangungu thanked the troops for their sacrifices while protecting the sovereignty of the country.
He added that as the UPDF commemorated its 45th birthday, there was a need to show solidarity to the people.
“I would like to assure the people of Karamoja that the army will ensure the sub-region has sustainable peace,” Kyangungu stated on behalf of Gen. Sserunkuma.
Kyangungu thanked the troops for their sacrifices while protecting the sovereignty of the country. (Credit: Olandason Wanyama)
The mayoral elect for Moroto municipality, Mariko Siire, hailed the army for the good job done to pacify the sub-region.
“I want to appreciate whoever took part in restoring the peace in Karamoja,” he noted, adding that the sub-region now enjoys relative peace.
He appealed to the UPDF to ensure a comprehensive territorial protection, adding that Karamoja has been secured, it's safe, but challenges still lie at the international porous borders.
Siire appealed to security forces to deploy at the Uganda-Kenya border with aims of fighting gun trade in the border wilderness.
The Ex-speaker for Moroto district local government, Ceaser Lometo, said the peace in the sub-region is a result of the gallant UPDF soldiers.
“Ever since the disarmament began, there has been a chronology that has come to a reality,” Lometo noted, adding that when people resisted, there was a forceful removal of guns.