UPDF Hands Over Tarehe sita Construction Projects in Acholi

By Kampala Post Reporter

UPDF has handed over several projects which were pledged to the community during the 38th Tarehe sita celebrations held in Kitgum district, Acholi sub region.

The projects in Acholi East include; the repair of an Anti-Retrial viral clinic and a waiting shade in Kitgum referral hospital, repair of the Anti-retrial viral clinic and a private ward at Pader health center, renovation of two class room blocks at Wol community Secondary School in Agago district, building of a water harvesting pool, solar power and restoration of Padibe health center IV.

UPDF also handed over complete renovations and constructions in Acholi west which included; St Kizito Primary School Aywee in Gulu district, Ome Primary School in Amuru district, Koch Goma Health Centre III in Nwoya district and Lanenober health centre III in Omoro district. The handover ceremonies were presided over by the ministers of State for Defence in charge General duties, Charles Okello Engola and Dr. Bright Rwamirama in charge Veteran Affairs, UPDF Deputy CDF Lt Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi and a host of other UPDF Generals.

The Minister of State for Defence and veteran Affairs in charge general duties who headed the team in West Acholi Charles Okello Engola thanked the people of Acholi for embracing peace by way of fighting the LRA and asked the sub region to fight illiteracy by sending children to school, keep healthy and drink safe water. He added that it is the reason the UPDF undertook the three key projects of renovation of schools and health centers in the districts of Acholi. He further told the community that the President of the Republic of Uganda loves them so much that is why he is always so passionate about issues affecting the citizens.

"The President is a peace maker world over and he loves to see everyone in the country wealthy. That is why we see the UPDF carrying out various projects in support of the local community" the minister said. He advised the political leaders to preach unity among the people and accept to work with the government for the betterment of the sub region. During the hand over of projects in Padibe town council, Lamwo district and Kitgum referral hospital, the Hon Minister of State for defense and veteran affairs Lt Col (Rtd) Dr, Bright Rwamirama said UPDF undertook the community projects in appreciation and recognition of the contribution made by the people in the region towards achievement of peace and stability.

“UPDF handled the repair of the Anti-retroviral clinic at Padibe health center IV because it touches at the core role of contributing to the health of our citizens" he said. Hon.Rwamirama added that the projects were chosen because they strike a chord with the spirit of the 1995 constitution and the UPDF Act of 2005 which mandates UPDF to function as people’s army and to cooperate with the civil authority during the times of emergency and in situations of disaster, foster harmony and understanding between the defense forces and the public and as well participate in productive activities for the development of Uganda.

He thanked the people of Acholi for accepting to host Tarehesita activities and for identifying with their sons and daughters in the UPDF. In his speech, the RDC Lamwo,Mr James Nabimson Kidega applauded the UPDF for maintaining a good image and relationship with the civil community. He said, it is because of the bond and image UPDF has sealed with the civil populace that caused hundreds of youths to turn up for recruitment into LDU.

“Had it not been for the positive image and conduct among our National force, none of them would want to identify with UPDF," he said noting that the health facility does not only support the community of Lamwo but also refugees from Southern Sudan, putting the number of the beneficiaries to over 20,000. The woman member of parliament for kitgum district applauded UPDF for exhibiting professionalism in all fields.

“Those days, the military were the most feared people and all they did most was to torment and kill by shooting which is not the case, " She observed, urging the community to work and support UPDF in all walks of life. Regarding Tarehe sita celebrations, the deputy CDF LT Gen Wilson Mbadi said, ‘it is a tradition in UPDF in the run up week to Tarehe sita celebration that we conduct symbolic CIMIC activities of a corporate social responsibility.”