UPDF steps up preparations for 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary in Kabale

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Preparations are at an advanced stage in Kabale Municipality ahead of Uganda’s 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations, scheduled for February 6, 2026, with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies intensifying joint rehearsals and logistical arrangements.

This year’s national celebrations will be hosted in the Kigezi sub-region, specifically Kabale district, under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation.”

At the main venue, the former National Teachers College playground now known as UNITE Campus, UPDF troops, together with personnel from the Uganda Police Force and the Uganda Wildlife Authority, conducted joint parade drills and security rehearsals as service providers prepared the grounds for the event.

Speaking to journalists at the venue on February 2, 2026, the UPDF 2nd Infantry Division spokesperson, Maj. Kiconco Tabaro said Tarehe Sita is a defining moment in Uganda’s history, marking the launch of the liberation struggle that laid the foundation for lasting peace and stability.

Maj. Tabaro said the commemoration also reflects the transformation of the UPDF into a modern, professional and disciplined force through continuous training, institutional reforms and improved equipment.

“As part of our commitment to giving back to the community, especially in the host region of Kigezi, the UPDF has implemented several development projects, including the construction of roads and bridges,” Maj. Tabaro said.

He underscored the pivotal role played by the Kigezi sub-region in the liberation struggle, describing it as a major recruitment hub for the Front for National Salvation and later the National Resistance Army. Many people from the region, he said, paid the ultimate price during the fight against oppressive regimes, particularly under the rule of Idi Amin.

Maj. Tabaro further revealed that representatives from all districts in Kigezi, alongside invited guests from across the country, are expected to attend the celebrations, underscoring the national importance of the event.

Reflecting on the region’s painful past, he recalled the public execution of three Bakiga freedom fighters, Joseph Bitwari, James Karambuzi and David Kangire, who were gunned down at Kabale Stadium on February 10, 1973, by soldiers loyal to Idi Amin. The three were FRONASA recruits and are remembered as icons of sacrifice in the liberation struggle.

He said the UPDF has since constructed a monument at Kabale Stadium in their honour, describing Tarehe Sita as the cornerstone of Uganda’s peace and stability.

Uganda commemorates Tarehe Sita annually on February 6, marking the day in 1981 when the liberation struggle was launched.

UPDF hands over 40 community projects across Kigezi

As part of the 45th Tarehe Sita activities, the UPDF has handed over more than 40 Quick Impact Projects to communities across six districts in the Kigezi sub-region.

The projects, implemented in the sectors of education, health, sanitation, transport and community infrastructure, were executed in line with this year’s theme.

Across the sub-region, the UPDF commissioned classroom blocks, health facilities, bridges, market structures, sanitation facilities and staff accommodation units.

In Kabale district, the projects included a two-classroom block at Kanyankwanzi Primary School, staff accommodation at Rwene Health Centre II, the Kahungye and Nyanja-Kambibi bridges, and aqua privy toilets at Nyanja Primary School and Bugonji Market.

Rubanda district benefited from a two-classroom block at Burorero Primary School in Hamurwa subcounty, a five-stance improved pit latrine and the Bubaale maternity ward.

In Kisoro district, the UPDF constructed market stalls, classroom blocks, aqua privy toilets, chain-link fences and medical service facilities.

Rukiga district received four culvert bridges on the Nyakarambi-Kangondo Road, a two-classroom block at Katungu Primary School, staff quarters at Kitanga Health Centre II and a paediatric ward at Mparo Health Centre IV.

In Kanungu district, the UPDF commissioned two classroom blocks at Kangarame Primary School, a five-stance aqua privy toilet at Kishenyi Primary School, the Kihanda-Kambuga bridge and a footbridge across River Kiruruma in Kihuri.

In Rukungiri district, the projects included classroom blocks at Kakokoma and Kikarara primary schools, housing units at Ibanda Health Centre II and Ngooma Primary School, an incinerator at Rukungiri Health Centre IV and a five-stance water toilet at Rwakabengo Health Centre III.

The UPDF also handed over assorted equipment, including delivery beds, hospital mattresses, life jackets, reflector jackets and garbage containers.

Civil-military cooperation commended

The Joint Staff Political Commissariat and overall coordinator of the Tarehe Sita activities, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko commended government ministers who presided over the commissioning ceremonies, describing their participation as a demonstration of strong civil-military cooperation.

“In Kigezi, six ministers presided over the commissioning of these projects, and I want to commend them for the commitment they demonstrated,” Maj. Gen. Masiko said.

They include industry state minister David Bahati (Kabale), agriculture state minister Lt Col (rtd) Bright Rwamirama (Kisoro), internal affairs state minister Gen. David Muhoozi (Rukiga), trade, industry and cooperatives state minister Gen. Wilson Mbadi (Kanungu), and security minister Maj. Gen. (rtd) Jim Muhwezi (Rukungiri).

Maj. Gen. Masiko said the UPDF deliberately uses its anniversary to give back to communities, noting that the army was founded on the support of the people.

“The population are our strategic allies. The appreciation we witnessed across Kigezi affirms the strong bond between the army and the people,” he said, adding that the projects symbolise commitment rather than the abundance of resources.

He reaffirmed the UPDF’s role in safeguarding Uganda’s democratic processes ahead of the forthcoming elections, emphasising that security forces are under strict instructions to ensure free, peaceful and intimidation-free voting.