Minister David Muhoozi Emphasises UPDF’s Roots In Civilian Population
The Minister of State for Internal Affairs, Hon Gen David Muhoozi emphasised the significance of Tarehe Sita as the UPDF’s birthday, highlighting the army’s roots in the civilian population.
“The army came from you, which is why we are called the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces. Every year, we commemorate this day by giving back to the wananchi as a token of our gratitude for the support and sacrifices you made in helping us overcome the bad leadership of the past,” Gen Muhoozi stated.
The Minister was speaking during the handover of quick-impact projects that were undertaken by the UPDF to celebrate the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary in Masaka District.
He expressed appreciation to the people of Masaka for their continued support and cooperation with the UPDF.
Gen Muhoozi also commended President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief, for instilling discipline within the UPDF.
“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the President for his strong leadership, which has shaped the army into a professional and disciplined force,” he noted.
Additionally, he acknowledged the Chief of Defence Forces and UPDF leadership for deploying various teams to Greater Masaka during Army Week to offer essential services to residents.
He encouraged the locals to embrace government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga to achieve socio-economic transformation.
“As UPDF, we pledge to continue supporting Masaka in every way possible,” he assured.
Masaka Resident District Commissioner Mrs. Billy Janet Mulindwa expressed her joy over UPDF’s decision to bring Tarehe Sita activities to the region.
“I thank the UPDF leadership for choosing Masaka as a region to give back to the people. The army has provided free medical camps, improved sanitation through cleaning exercises, promoted unity through a football match, shared meals with residents, and constructed important community projects,” she said.
She also thanked the government for resolving a land dispute in Buwunga Subcounty, Nakasojo Village, by purchasing land on behalf of residents. She noted that preparations were underway to distribute land titles to the rightful owners.
Representing the Chief of Defence Forces, Brig Gen Ephraim Baguma Mugume, Joint Staff Management Information Systems, officially handed over several projects to the Masaka community.
“It is a great honour to unveil these symbolic UPDF projects, which are a testament to the strong bond between the army and the people of Masaka. Through consultations and coordination, we identified and implemented three key projects that have been officially handed over today,” Brig Gen Mugume said.
The projects included; A modern toilet facility at Ddimo Landing Site in Kyesiiga Subcounty, two fully furnished housing units for nurses at Zimwe Health Center II in Kyanamukaka Subcounty and a two-classroom block at Kajuna Church of Uganda Primary School in Buwunga Subcounty
The people of Masaka District expressed their gratitude for the high-quality projects, pledging to maintain them for the benefit of their communities.
In addition to the infrastructure projects, UPDF distributed various essential items to the residents, including: reflector jackets for Bodaboda riders, dustbins to promote sanitation, sanitary towels for schoolgirls, delivery mattresses and beds for expectant mothers at Bukeeri Health Center III and Kamulegu Health Center III, among others.
The event was graced by several senior UPDF and government officials, including: Brig Gen Dr Patrick Ochan, Coordinator of the Medical Outreach in Masaka Subregion, Col Nelson Ahebwa, and Col Lydia Nandudu, Acting Director of Women Affairs & Head of Civil-Military Cooperation (Air Force) UPDF Masaka Team Leader, among others.
