The Uganda Peoples defense forces UPDF has in conjunction with the Kampala capital city authority, KCCA launched this year’s army week ahead of the Tarehe Sita celebrations set for next Saturday 6th February 2016.
This year’s national celebrations will be held in Kampala at Kololo Independence grounds. Tarehe Sita is the army day that marks the birth of NRA which metamorphosed into the UPDF as it is known today.
The chief defense forces Gen. Katumba Wamala explains that on that day in 1981, 27 armed patriots and a few others unarmed attacked Kabamba Barracks to initiate and cause fundamental change in Uganda.
This action marked the beginning of a popular and protracted struggle in the country that signaled the rest of the populace to join the resistance against dictatorship.
“As a way of celebrating this important day, the UPDF carries out Civil-Military activities (Corporate social responsibility) for the people of Uganda to enhance our civil-military relations.” Says Gen. Wamala
The main CIMIC activities to be undertaken during the Army week this year will be symbolic projects including renovation of facilities such as schools, health centers, public toilets and provision of clinical services among others.
Gen. Wamala added; “We also thank the National Organizing Committee (NOC), Ministry of works, Ministry of health, Ministry of Gender, labour and Social Developments, Ministry of Information and National Guidance, National Forest authority, (NFA) President’s Office/State House, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons, Uganda Wildlife Authority, ACODE, Dariam, Foundation for Youth Mentorship, Media Houses, all Ugandans for continuing to support the UPDF all these years.”
UPDF will remain committed to strengthening the strategic relationship we have with the people of Uganda.