Greater Masaka Prepares To Host 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary Celebrations

The 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary will be celebrated in the Greater Masaka region, as announced by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon Jacob Oboth-Oboth.

This annual event, organised by the government andthe Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), aims to honour the spirit of community partnership and Pan-African solidarity.

The celebration, under the theme “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-economic Transformation,” will feature activities that give back to local communities.

Speaking at a consultative meeting with Members of Parliament from the Greater Masaka region at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Hon Oboth-Oboth praised the region for its enduring partnership with the UPDF. “I want to congratulate the people of Greater Masaka for being so lucky to be chosen for this year’s celebration. You may not know how many requests this ministry receives every year. It takes the effort of the Ministry and the Army together to give back to the community. And the Greater Masaka has been picked,” he remarked.

Hon Theodore Ssekikubo, MP for Lwemiyaga County, expressed pride in the region’s role as host, noting, “We are lucky that this year’s celebrations are taking place in the Masaka sub-region. We are proud to be associated with the 6th of February, the launch of the liberation of our country, Uganda.” He also commended the UPDF’s pre-celebration activities, such as constructing school structures and offering free medical services.

Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff, highlighted the historical significance of Tarehe Sita, which commemorates the launch of the National Resistance Army’s (NRA) liberation struggle on February 6, 1981. He stated, “Every February 6, commencing from 1981, the army and the people of Uganda join hands during the Defence Forces Week to engage in activities aimed at cementing the strategic relationship that exists between the population and the defence forces.”

Masaka’s historical importance was also emphasised, with Maj Gen Bakasumba recalling its role as a launch pad for decisive battles in the 1985–1986-armed struggle. The event will feature activities across districts including Bukomansimbi, Kalangala, Kyotera, and Masaka City, culminating in Kyotera District on February 6, 2025.

The celebrations, held in different regions each year, were previously hosted in Busoga and Mbarara.

The meeting was attended by senior MODVA officials, MPs, and local leaders.