UPDF Prepares for 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary in Kigezi Sub-Region

What You need to know

• UPDF has decided to begin the celebrations earlier this year due to the upcoming general elections.

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) have commenced preparations for the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations in the Kigezi sub-region, with teams already on the ground engaging local leaders and communities in six districts of Greater Kigezi: Kisoro, Kabale, Rubanda, Kanungu, Rukungiri, and Rukiga.

Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff – Political Commissariat and the focal person for the Tarehe Sita celebrations, emphasized the significant role Kigezi played in Uganda’s liberation struggle, making the region a fitting choice to host this year’s national event.

“Kigezi was one of the key areas that contributed significantly to Uganda’s liberation from bad governance. It was a major recruitment base for the Front for National Salvation (FRONASA) during the struggle to overthrow the regime of President Idi Amin,” Maj Gen Masiko said during a meeting with local leaders in Kisoro District.

Tarehe Sita, celebrated annually, marks the founding of the National Resistance Army (NRA), now the UPDF, and serves as a reminder of the country’s liberation. The event, which emphasizes civil-military relations, also focuses on community welfare, with various activities planned to foster cooperation between the UPDF and local communities.

“This celebration is part of our corporate social responsibility,” Maj Gen Masiko continued. “We celebrate Tarehe Sita not to replace district service delivery but to share our birthday gift with the people. Our engagement is to work closely with local leaders in planning the events.”

Unlike in previous years, the UPDF has decided to begin the celebrations earlier this year due to the upcoming general elections. Typically, Tarehe Sita activities begin in December and extend into February, but this year they will kick off a month earlier to ensure that voters can participate in the election process while still meeting the February schedule for the main celebrations.

The planned events for this year include short-duration engineering projects with substantial community impact, medical camps, patriotism campaigns, friendly football matches, and interactions with veterans. The UPDF also aims to strengthen its veteran support systems as part of the celebrations.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) for Kisoro, , Hajji Badru Sebyara, commending the UPDF for maintaining an ideological commitment to the people. “Tarehe Sita activities strengthen the bond between the UPDF and the population, which is vital for reinforcing peace and stability in the country,” he said.

Hon. Alex Niyonsaba, the Member of Parliament for Bufumbira South, also expressed his support for the celebrations, highlighting the region’s readiness to host the national event. “Kigezi is known for its hospitality and welcoming communities, and we are fully prepared to host Tarehe Sita in a way that befits the national importance of the event.”

Two reconnaissance teams from the UPDF were dispatched to the region on October 10, 2025, to begin preliminary activities. Maj Gen Masiko is overseeing engagements in Kisoro, Kabale, and Rubanda, while Maj Gen Paul Muhanguzi, the 2 Division Commander, is leading the team in Kanungu, Rukungiri, and Rukiga.

The Tarehe Sita celebrations are a key institutional tradition for the UPDF, highlighting their ongoing commitment to national development and unity. Through outreach initiatives, infrastructure development, and social services, the event celebrates the legacy of Uganda’s liberation struggle while reinforcing the bond between the military and civilian populations.