President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Commander in Chief of the armed forces, has said that a bit of corruption has crept into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and pledged to remove the culprits.
The president made the remarks during the 13th Annual Tarehe Sita Breakfast Thanksgiving celebrations on February 29, 2024, at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala.
President Museveni, who was also the Chief Guest, said that the base of the UPDF is good but that the force will not tolerate the corrupt.
“It’s true there is some corruption in the UPDF. Why do you involve yourself in land disputes? The base of the UPDF is good, but since some corruption has crept in, we shall have to repent and remove the fallen material,” he said.
The President noted that as a force, they despise treachery but only use clean methods and fight wars of justice.
“We warned UPC; please stop what you’re doing. Our experience shows that we don’t just fight for good, but we also use clean methods. We shall fight them from military to military, and we only fight wars of justice,“ President Museveni added.
He, however, appreciated the army for operating in difficult places and recognised the professional side of the UPDF, saying that things are going well.
“UPDF is really a good army; it’s able to operate in very difficult situations. Some of these situations you hear about are in Somalia and Congo, where they operate; therefore, commanders, I call upon you to remove those who are polluting the group. On the professional side, things are going well,” the President said.
President Museveni also commended FRONASA veterans and pledged to meet up with all the children of the fallen soldiers.
The Tarehe Sita Thanksgiving Breakfast is an annual event that honours veterans.
The event highlighted the role of FRONASA veterans in the liberation struggle and their sacrifices for the security, peace, and prosperity of Uganda.
During his speech, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Vincent Ssempija, revealed that the UPDF is the most recognised force on the African continent for its discipline.
“The UPDF force is the most recognised force on the African continent for its discipline,“ Sempija said.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, said that commemorating the event is a way of bringing the force to God, just as Tarehe Sita celebrations are a way of giving back to the community.
“It is my greatest pleasure, on behalf of UPDF and on my own behalf, to welcome you to this breakfast. Life without thankfulness is not worth living. This Thanksgiving breakfast recognises, therefore, those who have made Uganda what it is today,” Gen Mbadi said.
He further revealed that the force is providing free education for the soldiers’ children, adding that in the future, the force is working on an Army university for the soldiers’ children after A-level.
The Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Rosetti Nyangoma, said that this marks the end of the main Tarehe Sita celebrations of the Army Week activity.
“We also come together to renew our commitment to achieving the goals of our liberation. The Defence Fraternity, alongside strategic partners, come together to reflect on the achievements of this institution,” Nyangoma said.
Marked under the theme, “How Can I Repay the Lord for All His Benefits to Me?“ In Psalms 116:12, this year’s event highlighted the role of UPDF professionals.
Various dignitaries attended the breakfast, including the former Prime Minister of Uganda, John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, ministers, UPDF generals, former Inspector General of Police, Gen (Rtd) Kale Kaihura, senior officers, Busoga region RDCs, and religious leaders.
This year’s 43rd Tarehe Sita Celebrations took place in Bugweri district in eastern Uganda, and this breakfast marks the end of the activities.
