The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) together with the Uganda People’s Defence Airforces (UPDAF) and Uganda Police Force (UPF) in Entebbe have embarked on a cleaning exercise in Entebbe ahead of the 34th Tarehe Sita Celebrations to be held on Friday 6th February at the Mayor’s Garden.
Every year the UPDF engages in a cleaning exercise all over the country to remember the day when the National Resistance Army (NRA) guerillas first attacked Kabamba Military Barracks in Masindi on 6th February 1981 to officially launch the protracted armed struggle that would eventually usher in the National Resistance Movement Government on January 26, 1986.
The cleaning exercise which began yesterday at Kasangye in Buwaya, continued today Tuesday 3rd February with several activities being held in Kigungu. The Special Forces Command (SFC), Airforce and Police today participated in several activities including cleaning of Kigungu central Market and Kigungu landing site.
Special Forces Command also offered a wide range of medical services to residents of Kigungu at the Kigungu HCIII including HIV counseling and testing, Eye and dental check up, Safe male circumcision, family planning tips, immunization, blood pressure and check up, Diabetes Check up, antenatal care, deworming, Health Education and General outpatients services.
“We mark Tarehe Sita by engaging in a cleaning exercise and offering medical services to different communities in remembrance of the important role the Wanainchi played during the armed struggle. The people are the basis of our success and achievements” SFC Commanding officer Lutamaguzi Barracks Kigungu Maj. Emeru Moses remarked.
Maj. Emeru also appealed to the new generation of soldiers in the UPDF to be professional and diligent in the execution of their duties. “The UPDF is a people’s army that has been professionalized through the foundation that was laid by the revolutionaries who sacrificed their lives in the five year armed struggle and therefore we need to continuously be diligent and professional in our duties” Maj. Emeru stressed.
He also advised the new generation of soldiers to always mentor their juniors on the values and discipline within the UPDF.
On his part the Director Civil Military Relations Maj. Macdan Kamugira appealed to the young people to love their country and learn to appreciate the sacrifices and commitments made by the revolutionaries towards the liberation struggle.
“We have had two days of cleaning since yesterday, tomorrow we shall rest and resume on Thursday with cleaning Nakiwogo, Baita Ababiri, Entebbe Town and all other areas of Entebbe and then on Friday we shall converge at the Muziga Park for a parade and head to the Mayor’s Garden for the main celebrations.” Maj. Kamugira disclosed.
