By Shivan Ayebare
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has handed over a number of community projects in Rubanda District as part of activities ahead of the Tarehe Sita celebrations scheduled for 6 February in the Kigezi sub-region.
The projects include a maternity ward at Bubare Health Centre III, a four-stance pit latrine at Hamurwa Primary School, and a two-classroom block at Burorero Primary School. The UPDF also donated delivery beds and mattresses to Rubanda District General Hospital, Hamurwa Health Centre IV and Bubare Health Centre III to improve maternal and general health services.
Speaking at the handover, Col Okei Rukogota said the mattresses were donated through the UPDF SACCO, Wazalendo, and not funded by the Ministry of Defence. He said the contribution reflected the soldiers’ commitment to supporting the communities they serve.
Representing the Rubanda LCV Chairperson, Mary Tushemereirwe thanked the UPDF and government for choosing Kigezi to host the national celebrations. She commended the forces for working with communities, supporting youth training and contributing to programmes such as the Parish Development Model.
Maj Gen Don Nabaasa, representing the Chief of Defence Forces, said similar projects had been implemented across the Kigezi sub-region. He noted that Tarehe Sita activities are held in different regions each year and are always accompanied by medical outreach and infrastructure support. He said Kigezi was selected in recognition of its role in the liberation struggle.
Rubanda RDC Eric Sewangidi praised the UPDF for the projects and cited strong cooperation between security agencies and local leaders in service delivery and mobilisation.
The Chief Guest, State Minister for Defence in charge of Veterans Affairs, Huda Oleru Abason, said the projects showed the UPDF’s commitment to defending the gains of the revolution beyond military operations. She urged leaders and communities to focus on socio-economic transformation and make better use of available land.
She said the theme of this year’s celebrations reflects the sacrifices made during the liberation struggle and called for continued cooperation between civilians and the security forces.
