UPDF celebrates 45 years of resilience, professionalism and discipline

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The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has commemorated 45 years of professionalism, discipline and hard work, the key principles that the Force has anchored itself on to serve Ugandans through engaging in various civic activities.

The 45th anniversary of Tarehe Sita was celebrated under the theme, Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifice of the Freedom Fighters: A call for national unity, peace and social transformation.

The national celebrations at Kabale National Teachers College in Kabale District brought together regional military leaders, government officials and citizens.

Addressing hundreds at the event held in the Kigezi sub-region, Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, the Chief Political Commissar of the Forces, asserted that the celebration is a climax of community initiatives that the UPDF has undertaken throughout the country.

“Since November 18, 2025, we have conducted ideological seminars to youth leaders and various religious leaders in addition to the cleaning and exercise engagements we have had,” he said.

He added that the Force has spearheaded the planting of many trees throughout the country to ensure that the environment is conserved.

The Force also engaged in many quick-impact projects across the country with civil engineers deployed across the country to ensure that they move on swiftly and are up to standard.

The Senior UPDF Officer commended President Yoweri Museveni for launching a landmark site in Kabale, which he affirmed as a mark to highlight the struggles and eventual triumph that the UPDF realised.

“This monument is a reminder of the circumstances that transpired when many of the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) soldiers were executed,” he stated.

Citing President Museveni’s book, the second edition of Sowing the Mustard Seed, A Struggle for Freedom and Democracy, Matsiko noted that the soldiers were killed in different towns, including Mbale, Jinja, Kabale, Fort Portal, Gulu and Mbarara.

He hailed the soldiers for showing a rare form of bravery, a trait which has stayed with the members of the UPDF to date.

About Tarehe Sita

Tarehe Sita, a Kiswahili term meaning “the Sixth Day,” marks a historic day in Uganda’s history. On 6th February 1981, 43 patriots, armed with just twenty-seven (27) rifles, launched an attack on Kabamba barracks. This bold action became a turning point in Uganda’s socio-political and economic trajectory and has, over the past 45 years, been commemorated as the founding day of the UPDF.

February 6th symbolises and serves as a tribute to the efforts of all the patriotic Ugandans who sacrificed to set Uganda on a firm revolutionary democratic path, with President Yoweri Museveni spearheading the movement.

Highlights at the event included President Yoweri Museveni decorating the First Son and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and 41 others who received national medal awards in honour of their service to Uganda.

The 42 medal honours for the day were Kabalega star, Rwenzori star, Masaba star, Damu star, Luwero triangle medal, National Independence Diamond Jubilee medal, Personal sacrifice medal and Long service 30 years.

Relatedly, Lt. Moses Odongo, who beat three other officers, received the Chief of Defence Outstanding Junior Officer of 2025 award. The prize award was handed over to him by President Museveni, flanked by CDF Gen. Kainerugaba.

Brig. Gen. James Kinalwa, the Joint Staff Human Resource Management, highlighted that this award, in its inaugural state, was put in place to encourage young UPDF officers to stay disciplined, hardworking and professional so that Ugandans are effectively protected and served.

The event marked by a downpour included a colourful military parade of the various commands, including the Uganda Police Force (UPF), Uganda Prisons Service (UPS) and Rangers of the Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA).

Entertainment included the colourful parade mounted by men and women of the armed forces who braved the chilly and wet conditions.

The masters of ceremonies, Col Chris Magezi, deputised by Maj Tabaro Kiconco, explained to the guests the importance of different drills and manoeuvres.