Busoga’s Royal Leader Promises Full Backing to UPDF for Tarehe Sita 2024
In a meeting at his palace in Budhumbula, Kamuli district, the Kyabazinga of Busoga, William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, welcomed a delegation of UPDF Generals and Senior Officers. They were there to discuss the preparations for the 2024 Defence Forces week and the 43rd anniversary of UPDF’s founding, known as Tarehe Sita (February 6th).
The Kyabazinga, accompanied by his Prime Minister, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, assured the UPDF of his full support. He emphasized that UPDF had been a crucial ally to the Obwakyabazinga, and the Defense Forces week aimed at the socio-economic development of the people in Busoga and Uganda as a whole. He also encouraged UPDF’s environmentalists to collaborate with the kingdom in a tree-planting initiative to combat the effects of recent cyclones due to environmental degradation.
Prime Minister Dr. Joseph Muvawala expressed gratitude to UPDF for providing security to the Kyabazinga and the royal family, enabling their uninterrupted rule. He was instructed by the Kyabazinga to work with UPDF to ensure the successful celebration of Tarehe Sita in Busoga and promote saving culture among the subjects through UPDF SACCO (WAZALENDO) and Operation Wealth Creation to enhance household incomes.
The Kyabazinga thanked UPDF for selecting Busoga to host the Army Civil-military activities and the upcoming visit of the head of state during Tarehe Sita. He stated that Busoga was proud of its role in Uganda’s liberation history and called for the institution’s involvement in all activities.
The UPDF delegation, led by Brig General Geoffrey Kigozi Kaweesa, representing Maj General Henry Masiko, the Chief Political Commissar, explained their recent tour of Busoga. They conducted a needs assessment in areas such as education, healthcare, security, sports, civic education, ideology, veterans’ affairs, and others.
UPDF cited Busoga’s historical significance in the early liberation of Uganda, including its involvement in the FRONASA struggles and the defeat of the Holy Spirit Movement Wars of Alice Lakwena. Busoga was chosen as the host for the 2024 Defence Forces activities in recognition of this history.
Over the past week, the UPDF teams, under the leadership of Maj General Henry Masiko, visited all the districts in greater Busoga and met with key leaders to assess projects aimed at supporting socio-economic transformation, security, and ideological clarity in the lead-up to February 6th, 2024. They also paid their respects to the family of the late UPDF/NRA historical figure, Maj Gen Sam Nanyumba.
The delegation comprised various departments, including UPDF Engineers Brigade, the Commissariat, Chieftaincy of Medical Services, Pensions and Gratuity, Sports and Culture, Civil-Military Cooperation, Women Affairs, and Defence Public Relations.
