Vice President Jessica Alupo has commended the UPDF for its unwavering commitment to stability and national development, noting that the army has, over the years, become one of the most trusted institutions in Uganda.
“We owe a debt of gratitude to the men and women who risked their lives to launch the pro-people struggle for liberation,” she said.
Alupo made the remarks on Wednesday as she officially launched the commencement of activities for Army Week and celebrations for the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters, Mbuya.
Vice President reflected on the historical significance of February 6, 1981, describing it as a defining moment in Uganda’s history.
The day marked the beginning of Uganda’s liberation struggle under the leadership of President Museveni, culminating in the formation of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
“February 6, 1981, was a watershed moment in our country’s history, shaping its trajectory toward peace, security, stability, freedom, democracy, and socio-economic transformation,” she said.
Alupo cited renowned philosopher Frantz Fanon, whose works inspired President Museveni’s undergraduate thesis at the University of Dar es Salaam.
“Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it,” she quoted.
The Vice President highlighted the significance of hosting this year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations in the Greater Masaka sub-region, saying, “Masaka played a crucial role in the liberation struggle, providing support to the National Resistance Army (NRA) fighters during their resistance against bad leadership.”
She commended the UPDF’s continued contributions beyond security, citing the work of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) in business, infrastructure, and agriculture.
She lauded the UPDF Engineering Brigade for its role in national projects such as the renovation of Mandela National Stadium and construction efforts in the health and education sectors.
The Vice President also acknowledged the contribution of Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) in boosting agricultural productivity, particularly in coffee production in Greater Masaka.
She extended special appreciation to Gen (Rtd) Salim Saleh for his leadership in the program and urged continued collaboration to enhance national development.
On welfare improvements for security forces, Alupo thanked President Museveni for his guidance and urged Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs to remain supportive of efforts to enhance the welfare of UPDF personnel.
“Despite limited resources, the UPDF has achieved remarkable success. Your efficiency in utilizing available funds should be a lesson to bureaucrats in government ministries, departments, and agencies,” she said.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Markson Oboth hailed the UPDF’s role in rescuing Uganda from political stagnation and economic collapse.
“Before 1986, governance was based on cultural, religious, ethnic, and tribal interests rather than national unity. Today, Uganda stands tall as a beacon of hope and stability,” Oboth said.
He highlighted the NRM government’s role in promoting women in leadership, noting that Uganda has had two female vice presidents since 1986.
“Before the NRM, there were no female vice presidents. Today, we have female MPs, ministers, a speaker, and a prime minister. We must thank President Museveni for this progress,” he said.
The Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, Lt Gen Sam Okiding, emphasized the UPDF’s role in securing Uganda and the region.
“The 41 soldiers, of whom 27 were armed, led by President Museveni, shaped the destiny of this country. Their sacrifice brought stability and economic growth,” he said.
Using a metaphor, Lt Gen Okiding compared Uganda before 1986 to a patient in an intensive care unit.
“In an ICU, doctors must be patient and precise. Similarly, Uganda needed patience, resilience, and intelligence to recover,” he noted.
He urged Ugandans to educate the youth about the country’s history and the sacrifices made to secure peace.
“Some young people think our achievements happened by chance. We must teach them that stability and development were hard-earned,” he said.
Lt Gen Okiding stressed that the UPDF remains committed to safeguarding Uganda. “On behalf of the CDF and the UPDF family, I pledge that we will protect and preserve Uganda’s peace and stability at all costs.”
The event marks the start of nationwide activities leading up to the grand celebrations on February 6 in Greater Masaka, under the theme “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People’s Sacrifices in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation.”
