The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth-Oboth, held a consultative meeting with Members of Parliament from the Greater Masaka region at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya. The meeting comes ahead of the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary, set to be celebrated in the Greater Masaka region.
The annual event, organised by the government and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), honours community partnership and Pan-African solidarity. This year’s theme is “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-economic Transformation.”
During the meeting, Minister Oboth-Oboth commended the region’s partnership with the UPDF, stating, “I want to congratulate the people of Greater Masaka for being so lucky to be chosen for this year’s celebration. It takes the effort of the Ministry and the Army together to give back to the community.”
Theodore Ssekikubo, MP for Lwemiyaga County, expressed pride in Masaka hosting the celebrations, remarking, “We are proud to be associated with the 6th of February, the launch of the liberation of our country, Uganda.”
He also lauded the UPDF’s pre-celebration activities, which include 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 National Resistance Army’s (NRA) launch of its liberation struggle on February 6, 1981.
He added, “The army and the people of Uganda join hands during the Defence Forces Week to cement the strategic relationship between the population and the defence forces.”
Masaka’s historical role in the 1985–1986 armed struggle was also noted, with Maj Gen Bakasumba emphasising its importance as a launch pad for decisive battles. This year’s celebrations will feature community engagement activities across districts like Bukomansimbi, Kalangala, Kyotera, and Masaka City, culminating in Kyotera District on February 6, 2025.
The Tarehe Sita celebrations rotate annually, with previous hosts including Busoga and Mbarara. The meeting in Mbuya was attended by senior MODVA officials, MPs, and local leaders.
