Kabale, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, has commended the army and other security agencies for what he described as “robust security” during the recent general elections, saying their actions ensured peace and stability nationwide.
“I want to salute the UPDF and other security forces for the robust security they gave during the recent elections. They did a very good job,” Museveni said on Friday while officiating at the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary commemorations held at the NTC Grounds in Kabale Municipality.
The event ran under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation.”
Museveni, who was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, said security forces thwarted attempts by unnamed actors to destabilise the electoral process.
“Some forces wanted to disturb the elections, but the security forces responded quickly. I salute the UPDF for neutralising those troublemakers,” he said, thanking Ugandans, particularly voters in Kigezi, for what he described as massive support for the NRM.
Revolutionary roots and continuity
Marking the significance of Tarehe Sita, Museveni reminded the nation that the liberation struggle did not begin in isolation. “When you talk of Tarehe Sita, you should not forget the earlier struggles that fed into it,” he said, recalling the training of fighters in Mozambique and Tanzania that culminated in the February 6, 1981 attack on Kabamba Barracks by 43 NRA patriots armed with 27 rifles.
The President reiterated Uganda’s economic ambitions, saying the country is now a lower-middle-income economy with sights set on high-middle-income status.
“The economy of Uganda is growing very fast. We have the capability to reach high middle-income in a few years,” he said, urging residents of Kigezi to prioritise wealth creation through tourism, commercial agriculture and manufacturing.
Museveni also announced plans to expand Kisoro Airport and establish an additional international airport in Kigezi to boost tourism, alongside another international airport in Mbarara City aimed at trade and business projects, he said would be larger than Entebbe International Airport.
He further called for urgent land acquisition in Rubanda District to set up a large iron-ore factory to fast-track mineral processing in the sub-region.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Oboth Oboth, congratulated Museveni on his re-election, while the Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, pledged the UPDF’s unwavering loyalty.
“We shall support you as you uplift Uganda to upper middle-income status and sustain socio-economic transformation,” Muhoozi said, adding that the 2026 elections were among the most peaceful since 1996.
UPDF Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Brig Gen Henry Masiko, said the anniversary marked the climax of phased defence forces activities that began in November to accommodate the electoral calendar.
Several officers were decorated for service, while Lt. Moses Odongo won the inaugural CDF Award for Outstanding Junior Officer 2025, receiving Shs10 million and a certificate.
The 2026 Tarehe Sita celebrations were attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa, Third Deputy Prime Minister Lukia Nakadama, ministers and visiting military delegations.
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