President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni who is also the Commander In Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has commended Ugandans for embracing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) ideas that have enabled the country to develop.

According to President Museveni, due to the correct ideas of the NRM government, the economy of the country has progressively grown.

"When we brought our ideas, you accepted them otherwise, we would have been isolated. I thank you very much people of Uganda.

That is why the economy has grown so much but it could grow more if we get rid of corruption. You must fight the corrupt people and also fight the ones who don't care,” he said on Tuesday afternoon while addressing a mammoth crowd at Busesa, in Bugweri district.

The President who was in the company of the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Museveni, made the remarks during the 43rd Tarehe Sita Anniversary Celebrations held in Bugweri, in Busoga sub-region, eastern Uganda.

The celebrations ran under the theme: “Celebrating the People's Struggle for Unity, Security and Peace for Socio-economic Transformation”. The day celebrated annually commemorated the launch of the NRA armed struggle at Kabamba barracks on the 6th of February, 1981 

Addressing the gathering which included local politicians, senior UPDF officers and military delegations from several countries, the President listed a number of achievements.

On security, Museveni said "We have a strong army, the Police, Prisons and intelligence services as well as the Uganda Wildlife Authority, they are all very capable and educated. We started the culture of recruiting educated people in the army because of that these army people learn very quickly so it is very easy for us to build a strong force.” 

President Museveni also disclosed that Uganda has a very good working relationship with the governments of Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC, adding that as partners, they are working towards achieving a regional solution to deal with the regional security problems.

“I'm glad the delegation from Algeria is here; these people have got very good technology. When I visited them, they gave me some samples. I want to buy more to simplify security, " he said. He pointed out security cameras and electronic vehicle number plates as some of the tools to enhance security to expedite investigations related to crime.  

A release from the Presidential Press Unit states that Museveni also lauded Busoga communities for taking part in the NRA/M struggle that enabled the current government to come into power.

“I salute the people of Busoga who participated in our struggles and sacrifice. The people who were getting medals (national honours) today comprise some of the children of the persons who were killed by Idi Amin. He executed people in public some in Jinja by firing squad,” Museveni told the gathering.

The President also acknowledged the contribution of non-Ugandans who contributed to the liberation. He pointed out Mwalimu Julius Nyerere, the former President of Tanzania.

“He (Nyerere) helped us a lot in training. He even committed the Tanzanian army to fight Idi Amin. The other country which helped us was Mozambique so when you talk about history, talk about it properly,” said Museveni.

In response to a request for the construction of the unfinished structures of Bugweri District Headquarters, President Museveni pledged to engage the UPDF Engineers Brigade to finish the work. Local leaders reported that the project was started by the late Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Alhajj Ali Kirunda Kivejinja.

Before inviting President Museveni to the gathering Vice President, Jessica Alupo observed that the theme of this year's celebrations challenges all Ugandans to safeguard: the peace, unity, stability and democracy ushered in by the patriots who sacrificed their lives to liberate the country.

“Every 6th of February is a special day for both the UPDF and all the people of Uganda where we converge to honour the contribution and sacrifices which were made by patriotic Ugandans led by you Your Excellency in the NRM struggle which set a new stage for Uganda we see today, indeed, it was a fundamental change,” the Vice President said.

“The level of discipline and professionalism of the UPDF is one of the best in the world. I congratulate you for professionalising our national army to the global standards.” Maj. Alupo added.

The First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs, Rebecca Kadaga who listed a number of achievements and challenges, said that with the discovery of rare earth minerals in Busoga, institutions like Busitema University, Busoga University or the Marine School-Namasagali should start programmes in minerals studies. Enrollment she said should prioritize youths from the sub-region. “We need scholarships for such studies so that our people can benefit,” said Kadaga, drawing applause from the crowds.

Museveni commended

More leaders including the UPDF senior officers commended President Museveni for professionalizing the army.

“Your Excellency, we sincerely thank you for your efforts and for making us proud as Ugandans that we have a People’s army, thank you for building a modern, disciplined and strong army," said Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs.

The UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi hailed President Museveni for building a modern, professional, effective and efficient force which is accountable to the people because it is anchored on a strong relationship and submits to the civil authority.

He also saluted the people in the sub-region for their contribution towards the protracted struggle. “We want to appreciate the support that Busoga gave to our forces. Coming here also enables the UPDF to closely conduct civil-military activities that may address the underlying factors that make this region vulnerable to the activities of the extremist groups such as the ADF who continue to recruit from this region,” the CDF said.

Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko, Chief Political Commissar of the UPDF listed a number of community activities carried out by the army in Bugiri, Bugweri, Buyende, Iganga, Jinja, Kaliro, Kamuli, Luuka, Mayuge, Namayingo and Namutumba district.

“The attack on Kabamba (5th February 1981) followed earlier efforts in the 1970s by FRONASA comrades who through their sacrifice laid the foundation for the People's revolution that has significantly resulted in the socio-economic transformation of our Motherland-Uganda. 

Tarehe Sita celebrations therefore mark and recognize the heroism exhibited by the founders of this revolution and the 41 patriots who made a foundation upon which the UPDF rests today as a People’s army and a vanguard force in the struggle to achieve socio-economic transformation.” he said.

At the same event, the Master of Ceremonies for the Chancery, Maj. Gen. George Igumba presented a total of 51 awardees for this year's celebrations to the President. The awardees were recognized for their exceptional service to the country.

Earlier, President Museveni and the First Lady visited Alhajj Kirunda Kivejinja's family in Bugweri and paid tribute to the former Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs.

The late Kivejinja died on 19th December 2020 from COVID-19 at Mulago National Referral Hospital.

The President pledged to contribute sh100m to the family SACCO.

The event was also attended by the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, the former Prime Minister, Mr. Kintu Musoke, the NRM Secretary General, Hon. Richard Todwong, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Members of the Diplomatic Corps, among others.