Unlike several government institutions that are riddled with corruption cases, the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has largely remained a clean, disciplined and a corrupt free institution. This was the message that was echoed by different speakers who addressed the Entebbe Tarehe Sita celebrations that were held at the Marine Base on Wednesday under the theme: The People and their forces celebrating a patriotic partnership in guaranteeing National Security. Minister of State for Primary Education and Wakiso District woman MP Rosemary Sseninde who presided over the celebrations said that Uganda has matured politically adding that members from different political parties can sit and interact with soldiers unlike in the past when the army was hostile to the locals (wanaichi). Sseninde also lauded President Museveni for opening up the army to women.
She said that unlike in the previous governments that barred women from joining the forces, today women are an integral part of the UPDF.
The Entebbe Municipality RDC Rose Kirabira urged Ugandans to emulate the discipline of the UPDF. She urged Ugandans to always enroll for cadre and leadership courses that will enable them become morally upright citizens.
The Entebbe Municipality Area MP Hon. Rose Tumusiime hailed the UPDF for the cleaning exercise and health camp that was held during the army week at Comprehensive S.S that saw close to 300 locals residing in Lugonjo Nakiwogo benefit from the free medical services that were provided by the Special Forces Command (SFC). She hailed the UPDF for remaining a top security player in the region. She appealed to the top army leadership to always be helpful to widows of fallen soldiers. Hon. Tumusiime revealed that widows of fallen soldiers are often kicked out of their homes in the barracks with no support. The day’s celebrations began with a march around Entebbe Municipality.
