NICHOLAS A
Ahead of the Tarehe Sita celebrations slated for Thursday, February 6, 2025, in Kabale District, residents of Rukungiri have expressed gratitude to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for what they describe as exemplary discipline that has greatly contributed to peace and stability in the country.
Several elderly residents who spoke to our reporter said that, compared to previous governments, Uganda now has a disciplined army that makes citizens feel safe and comfortable.
David Turyahikayo, a resident of Kakoni village in Nyarirungu Sub-county, recalled that during the regime of former President Idi Amin Dada, soldiers were brutal and feared, often mistreating civilians.
Turyahikayo said it is right and just for Ugandans to celebrate Tarehe Sita because the country now enjoys peace, with civilians and the army living in harmony.
Kyenderesire Nathan, a resident of Ruhinda, said that previous governments were oppressive, noting that soldiers used to beat people, block them from trading, and harass civilians.
He praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for prioritising discipline within the security forces, saying the current government is people-centred.
Kyenderesire further highlighted government efforts to fight poverty through programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, among others.
The Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Bron Kikanshemeza, said the day deserves national celebration as it commemorates the launch of the liberation war by President Museveni against the then government of President Milton Obote.
He said Rukungiri District will join the rest of the country in commemorating the day in Kabale, revealing that the district has organised four buses and one Coaster to transport residents. He urged the people of Rukungiri to turn up in large numbers for the function.
Mr. Kikanshemeza added that in preparation for Tarehe Sita, the UPDF has greatly supported Rukungiri District, especially in the health and education sectors, through the initiation of several projects.
He confirmed the high level of discipline among UPDF officers, noting that in pre-NRM times, people would flee at the sight of soldiers, but today, civilians instead run to the UPDF whenever they face challenges.
