Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Wilson Mbadi has urged the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to remain united and focused on the country’s peace and security in preparation for the 43rd Tarehe Sita anniversary. The celebrations, marking 43 years since the armed guerrilla war struggle that led to the UPDF coming to power in 1986, will be held in Busesa at Bugweri district headquarters on February 6, 2024.
Mbadi, addressing journalists at the Uganda Media Centre on Monday, cautioned against sectarian tendencies and disunity within the army, emphasizing that such behavior contradicts the UPDF code of conduct. “We have remained an army with a collective ideological foundation that shuns sectarian tendencies while embracing national interests,” he stated.
He highlighted the historical commitment of the UPDF to revolutionary ideals, emphasizing that they have consistently rejected mercenary tendencies and prioritized discipline, constitutionalism, and the rule of law. “UPDF is committed to consolidating our drive of building a professional, efficient, and effective force,” he added.
Continuing to address the media, Mbadi pledged ongoing efforts to perfect capabilities in emergency response, disaster mitigation, and foundational security against political upheavals. “We have been busy stabilising the country and participating in regional stability since 1986,” he explained.
In addition to their military role, the UPDF has engaged in 146 economic projects, spanning education, ICT, agriculture, and infrastructure development. Notable completed projects include hospitals, airports, recreational grounds, and educational facilities. Out of the 146 projects contracted by the government, 89 have already been handed over to the public.
| Project | Location |
|---|---|
| Gombe Hospital | Completed |
| Kasanda Hospital | Completed |
| Kawolo Hospital | Completed |
| Entebbe Airport | Completed |
| Busolwe Hospital | Completed |
| Namboole Stadium | Completed |
| Kololo SS Classroom Building | Completed |
Preparing to join the public for the Tarehe Sita celebrations, Mbadi highlighted the rotational regionalised celebrations arrangement adopted by the UPDF. The theme for this year’s activities is “Celebrating the Peoples’ Struggle for Unity, Security and Peace for Socio-economic Transformation.” The celebrations will include sanitation, civil engineering activities, medical outreach programs, ideological orientation, and mindset change to affirm the UPDF’s character as the people’s army.
Mbadi challenged Ugandans to combat poverty at the household level to fully enjoy the peace and security ushered in by the UPDF. “A poverty-stricken population is highly vulnerable to predatory influences,” he warned, encouraging Ugandans to engage in meaningful agriculture, manufacturing, value addition, and international trade to improve their incomes.
