Kisoro – Leaders in the Kigezi region largely boycotted the 44th UPDF Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations held at Shaza grounds in Kisoro Municipality. Despite the region hosting the event, only two of the over 15 Members of Parliament from Kisoro attended, raising concerns.
The celebrations, themed “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and People’s Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom, Democracy, and Socio-Economic Transformation,” began with a route march from the District headquarters to Potters Village Health Center. There, the UPDF engineering brigade painted the laboratory block, renamed Omega House, and planted two trees, Omega One and Omega Two. The day also included a football match between UPDF and Chahafi FC, which Chahafi won 1-0.
Lt Gen Kale Kayihura, former Inspector General of Police, presided over the event. He urged politicians to embrace “the politics of love, friendship, and cooperation” to promote peace and development. He also called on leaders to be ambassadors and pioneers of development in their communities.
Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, 2nd Infantry Division Commander, highlighted the UPDF’s contributions to construction, tourism, transport, and security over the past 44 years.
Kisoro District Resident District Commissioner, Hajji Badru Sebyalla, condemned corruption and embezzlement of public funds, which he said hinders service delivery. In contrast, Kisoro District Woman MP, Grace Akifeza Ngabirano, emphasized the benefits Kisoro has received from the NRM government, including security and educational advancements.
Bufumbira North MP, John Kamara, praised Gen Kayihura for his pan-Africanist leadership, calling him “a pillar of Kisoro and Uganda as a whole.”
Kisoro District LCV Chairman, Abel Bizimana, urged the public to leverage the peace and security provided by the UPDF to fight poverty. He stressed the importance of engaging in economic activities like trade and agriculture. Bizimana also acknowledged the UPDF’s friendly approach to the community.
Dr. Phillimon Mateke, Kisoro district NRM chairperson, expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for his focus on prosperity for all and for fostering a disciplined army.
