By Herbert Bukenya
A statement released by UPDF Spokesman Brigadier Richard Karemire says unlike the previous years where they celebrated Tarehe Sita without external forces, this time round they are inviting a number of friendly forces from the region to join them.
February 6th which is the day the celebrations are held annually in commemoration of the official launch of the NRA military struggle that brought President Museveni to power back in 1981 with an attack on Kabamba military barracks will take a new twist this time round.
The focus of the week long celebrations that begin on January 30th 2018 will take place in a number of districts in Eastern Uganda with Butaleja district’s Boma grounds holding the main celebrations come the 6th of February 2018.
Under the theme “Reaffirming the contribution of armed forces towards regional integration for our strategic security, prosperity and development,”
This time round regional friendly forces and allies especially from with in the East African community that is South Sudan, Rwanda, Burundi, Kenya and Tanzania will be joining the UPDF in these celebrations.
This in line with the regional block’s EAC defence council’s plan to roll out military coperation with civilains as part of the integration process.
Civil military activities that include cleaning and refurbishing of public facilities, medical camps and other engagements across the Eastern region will be conducted by the UPDF’s medical and engineering departments in conjunction with the visiting forces and civilians in these areas.
Program
The week long program for the celebrations will kick off on Tuesday 30th Janaury with the National launch at the Ministry of Defence Headquarters, this will then be followed by the regional launch the next day at Butaleja district headquarters.
On Thursday 1st February 2018, the celebrations wil be launched in the other Eastern districts that are participating and these are Pallisa, Budaka, Kibuku, Tororo and Busia districts at their headquarters.
The main celebrations are slated for the 6th of February at Boma grounds Butaleja district according to Defence Ministry and UPDF Spokesman Brig. Richard Karemire
