Tarehe Sita has changed the political destiny of Uganda

By Christopher Omara

Tareh Sita celebration is a very significant event in Uganda and can never be wished away from our history as portrayed by some of president Museveni's critics.

Irrespective of our political affiliations, 6^th February remains one of the most significant historical events in the political evolution of Uganda that should not be taken for granted.

Recently there was excitement in Apac Bomah ground in northern Uganda when Gen Yoweri K Museveni presided over the 36^th Tarhe Sita celebration organized by the Ugandan armed forces who treated the crowd with a colorful parade which was preceded by revolutionary statements.

Ugandans need to recognize, reflect, appreciate the values and learn from such historic events beyond merry-making and entertainment, especially our challenges and achievements in the course of our political evolution.

Every 6^th February, the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) celebrates the start of the five years bush war led by President Yoweri K. Museveni. The day marks the National Resistance Army (NRA) first attack on Kabamba military barracks in Mubende district on 6^th February 1981. From that attack, Uganda has never been the same and the gains remain irreversible

Gen YK Museveni led a small group of 27 patriotic people whom he referred to as potential soldiers who represented other Ugandans and engaged in a protracted guerilla and mobile warfare that dislodged the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) government forces and eventually took over power on 26^th January 1986.

Tarehe sita is important because it gave birth to the current UPDF that created stability not only in Uganda, but within the great lakes region. The UPDF is the most disciplined and professional army exceptionally unique on the African continent because of their relationship with the civilian population, ideological clarity, pan-Africanism and able leadership, their contributions in the pacification of other African countries including Somalia, Central African Republic, Rwanda, democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan has attracted national, continental and global applause. Indeed the Uganda armed forces is a source of admiration and inspiration not only nationally, but globally.

Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the commander-in-chief of the hitherto rag-tag rebel outfit, that transformed into the UPDF is one of the most accomplished revolutionaries in the contemporary history.

His unique leadership style, military experiences, charisma and revolutionary methods of work has ensured that he remains in power for long and Ugandans should not underestimate such a rare gift from God, this has not been a coincidence.

We should learn to appreciate celebrating our past as one way of building collective memory and national consciousness and thus build social cohesion that is necessary for the stability and development of our country.

Celebrating events of historical significance in the evolution of our political and democratic processes in this country is very important to demonstrate unity in diversity, build a common identity and chart a way forward to a cohesive state that meets global challenges.

Tarehe sita celebrations should help inculcate in young people appreciation for our turbulent past and heritage. Young people should be encouraged to take the occasion to actively listen from their elders and revolutionary leaders when they share heartfelt moments of their own experiences and struggles when they were young.

Sir Seretse Khama, the first president of Botswana once remarked that "a nation without a past is a lost nation and a people without a past is a people without soul"

The writer is the former NRM senior mass mobiliser  for Gulu/Pader