The Kyabazinga of Busoga, His Royal Highness William Wilberforce Kadhumbula Gabula Nadiope IV, received a delegation of UPDF Generals and Senior Officers at his palace in Budhumbula, Kamuli district. The purpose of the visit was to inform the Kyabazinga about the initial preparations for the 2024 Defence Forces week, culminating in the celebration of UPDF’s 43rd birthday, commonly referred to as Tarehe Sita, which is scheduled for February 6, 2024.
In the meeting, the Kyabazinga, accompanied by his Prime Minister (Katukiro) and head of the National Planning Authority, Dr. Joseph Muvawala, expressed his commitment to providing full support to the UPDF. He emphasized the strategic partnership between the UPDF and the Obwakyabazinga, highlighting that the week’s activities aimed at achieving socioeconomic transformation in Busoga and Uganda as a whole.
Furthermore, the Kyabazinga urged UPDF environmentalists, who will be present in the region, to collaborate with the Kingdom in a tree-planting initiative. This effort is intended to combat the recent surge of cyclones that have affected Busoga due to environmental degradation.
Dr. Muvawala, the Katukiro, conveyed gratitude to the UPDF for ensuring the security of the Kyabazinga and the entire royal family, which has enabled the Kyabazinga to reign without hindrance.
The Kyabazinga directed the Katukiro to work closely with the UPDF to ensure a successful and historically significant celebration of Tarehe Sita in Busoga. He also emphasized the importance of educating his subjects on the saving culture promoted by the UPDF SACCO (WAZALENDO) officials and Operation Wealth Creation to enhance household income.
The Kyabazinga expressed his appreciation for the UPDF’s choice to host Army Civil-Military activities in his kingdom and for the expected visit of the head of state to grace Tarehe Sita. He acknowledged Busoga’s pride in being a part of Uganda’s liberation history and called for the involvement of the Institution in all activities.
Brig. Gen. Geoffrey Kigozi Kaweesa, representing Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, the Chief Political Commissar, explained the purpose of the UPDF’s week-long visit to Busoga. The UPDF aimed to conduct a needs assessment in areas such as education, healthcare, security, sports, civic education, ideology, veterans’ issues, and more.
The UPDF also revealed that Busoga was chosen as the host for the Defence Forces activities due to its historical role in Uganda’s early liberation struggles, including its involvement in the FRONASA struggles and the defeat of the Holy Spirit Movement Wars led by Alice Lakwena.
The UPDF teams, led by Gen. Masiko, visited all districts within greater Busoga, engaging with key leaders and assessing various projects to support socioeconomic transformation, enhance security, and promote ideological clarity in preparation for the Tarehe Sita celebrations on February 6, 2024. They also paid their respects to the family of the late UPDF/NRA historical figure, Maj. Gen. Sam Nanyumba.
The visiting UPDF departments encompassed the Engineers Brigade, the Commissariat, the Chieftaincy of Medical Services, Pensions and Gratuity, Sports and Culture, Civil-Military Cooperation, Women Affairs, and Defense Public Relations, among others.
