The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has handed over key community infrastructure projects in Rubanda District as part of preparations for the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations due on February 6 in the Kigezi sub-region.
The projects include a maternity ward at Bubare Health Centre III, a four-stance pit latrine at Hamurwa Primary School, and a two-classroom block at Burorero Primary School. The UPDF also donated delivery beds and mattresses to Rubanda District General Hospital, Hamurwa Health Centre IV and Bubare Health Centre III to strengthen maternal and general health services.
Speaking during the handover, Col Okei Rukogota said the donated mattresses were funded through the UPDF SACCO, Wazalendo, and not the Ministry of Defence, describing the support as a gesture of solidarity with the communities where soldiers operate.
“This contribution reflects the commitment of our officers and men to support the well-being of the people we serve,” Col Rukogota said.
Representing the Rubanda District Chairperson, Mary Tushemereirwe thanked the UPDF and government for selecting Kigezi to host the national celebrations, noting that the projects will have a lasting impact on education and health service delivery.
She commended the UPDF for working closely with communities, supporting youth skills training and complementing government programmes such as the Parish Development Model.
Maj Gen Don Nabaasa, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, said similar community projects had been implemented across the Kigezi sub-region as part of the Tarehe Sita activities.
“Tarehe Sita celebrations rotate across regions every year and are always accompanied by medical outreach and infrastructure support,” Maj Gen Nabaasa said, adding that Kigezi was chosen in recognition of its historical contribution to the liberation struggle.
Rubanda Resident District Commissioner Eric Sewangidi praised the UPDF for the projects and cited strong cooperation between security agencies and local leaders in mobilisation and service delivery.
The Chief Guest, State Minister for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs, Huda Oleru Abason, said the projects demonstrate the UPDF’s commitment to defending the gains of the revolution beyond military operations.
“These initiatives show that defending the revolution also means improving lives and supporting socio-economic transformation,” Huda Oleru Abason said.
She urged leaders and residents to make productive use of available land and work together to drive household incomes, noting that this year’s Tarehe Sita theme reflects the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle and the need for continued civil-military cooperation.