By David Isabirye (0760510301)
Tarehe Sita is the day to commemorate the National Resistance Army led by the current President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces, Gen. Yoweri K. Museveni as he launched an armed rebellion on February 6, 1981.
On 6th February 2025, it marked 44 solid years. There were celebrations in every corner of Uganda with the main event at Kyotera under the theme; “Celebrating Pan African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Social Economic Transformation.”
In Entebbe Municipality, the Uganda Airforce and Special Forces Command (SFC) joined hands to celebrate, alongside the civilians.
There were different acts of charity from the soldiers as tree planting, communal cleaning of public places like the Kitoro, Fish and Central Markets, blood donation and a football match.
The football match between the Uganda Printing and Publishing Corporation (UPPC) staff and a combined team of SFC and Air Force was won by the former.
Brian Ochan and Carols Kaddu scored for the UPPC staff who earned a trophy, a set of jerseys and a goat for their efforts.
The main celebrations in Entebbe were held at the Entebbe Mayor’s Gardens on Thursday, 6th February 2025.
The chief guest was Brig. General David Gonyi (Chief of staff for Uganda Peoples Defence Air Forces), representing the Commander Airforces.
“It is on my pleasure that I congratulate the entire mighty UPDF family and the rest of the Ugandans upon the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations at the Mayors’ Gardens in Entebbe. This is significant because of the milestone for the Force and the country. This occasion therefore is a celebration of the strong tie between the UPDF and the people of Uganda. This is a deliberate action that helps us reconnect with the masses.” Brig. General Gonyi remarked.
The guest list also had Special Forces Command (SFC) representative Col Wilson Bagonza, Senior and junior officers, militants, air forcers, Mayor of Entebbe Municipality His Worship Fabrice Rulinda, Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) and other local leaders.
“We are humbled for the great contribution of the UPDF to the entire country. Keeping peace is a no mean feat. Personally, I am not yet even 40 years but commend the UPDF who are making 44 years. Long live the UPDF, long live the president Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, long live the CDF General Muhoozi Kainerugaba” His Worship Rulinda revealed.
For starters, Tarehe Sita translates to “6th day” in Swahili, is a day of great historical importance for Uganda.
It is officially observed on 6 February every year, to commemorate the day National Resistance Army led by the current President and Commander in Chief of the armed forces, Gen. Yoweri K. Museveni launched an armed rebellion on February 6, 1981.
This armed rebellion ultimately led to the seizing control of the capital city, Kampala, bringing an end to years of political turmoil and civil unrest.
Across the country, soldiers executed different acts of charity in collaboration with civilian groups as tree planting, communal cleaning, blood donation, health camps, sports and others.
