Kitgum district welcomes UPDF celebrations

Leaders and the local community in Kitgum have expressed pleasure at the decision by the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) leadership to celebrate the 38th Tarehe Sita anniversary in the district.

This was disclosed during a meeting between the UPDF and local district leaders on Tuesday at the Kitgum Town Council Hall, a statement issued by the army deputy spokesperson, Lt. Col. Deo Akiiki, stated.

Held on February 6, every year, Tarehe Sita marks the birth of the National Resistance Army (NRA)/UPDF and also the launch of another phase in the struggle by the population against misrule in Uganda.

Addressing the meeting, the UPDF Chief Political Commissar, Brig. Henry Masiko, commended the people of Acholi region for working with the UPDF to bring peace and stability in the area. It is such peace that has led to the ongoing development in the region, he added.

This year's anniversary will be celebrated at Kitgum Core Primary Teachers College under the theme; ‘UPDF and the People: Consolidating Peace For Sustainable Development and Prosperity'.

During the Army Week to be launched on January 29, the UPDF will conduct symbolic civil military activities in the whole country, with main activities taking place in the eight districts of Acholi sub-region of Kitgum, Agago, Pader, Gulu, Amuru, Lamwo, Nwoya and Omoro.

In these districts, the UPDF will run a series of medical outreach activities and limited engineering works targeting especially health and education facilities.

During the meeting chaired by the Kitgum Resident District Commissioner, Chris Omara, the leaders also appreciated UPDF for pacifying the whole country.

The meeting was also attended by the deputy district chairman, Jackson Omona, the Defence Spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire and other heads of department in the district among others.