President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has applauded the army and other security agencies for maintaining peace and stability during the recent 2026 general elections.
Speaking today 6th February, 2026, at the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary commemoration at NTC grounds in Kabale Municipality, President Museveni praised the UPDF for swiftly neutralizing forces that attempted to destabilize the electoral process.
“I want to salute the UPDF and other security forces for the strong security they provided during the elections. They did an excellent job. I also thank and congratulate the people of Kigezi and Uganda at large for participating actively and voting massively for the NRM,” Museveni said.
Observed under the theme ‘Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honoring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation,’ the anniversary of Tarehe Sita, meaning ‘the sixth day,’ commemorates the historic 6 February 1981 attack on Kabamba barracks by the National Resistance Army/Movement (NRA/M), which marked the launch of Uganda’s Liberation War.
President Museveni reflected on the origins of the movement, noting that the patriots involved had undergone earlier training in Mozambique and Tanzania, which laid the foundation for Uganda’s revolutionary democratic path.
“The struggle that led to Tarehe Sita is part of Uganda’s broader fight for freedom. The story of our people’s struggle should be told as a continuous journey, honoring all the sacrifices that came before this historic achievement,” the President emphasized.
He also highlighted Uganda’s economic progress, noting that the country is now a lower middle-income nation and is targeting to become a high middle-income country in the coming years.
He encouraged residents of Kigezi to focus on wealth creation, noting the region’s potential in tourism, commercial agriculture, and manufacturing.
Plans for infrastructure expansion were also outlined, including the expansion of Kisoro Airport, the establishment of a new international airport in Kigezi for tourism, and another in Mbarara for trade and business, which President Museveni said would surpass Entebbe International Airport in size.
Additionally, the President called for land acquisition in Rubanda district to establish a large-scale iron ore processing facility, leveraging the region’s rich mineral deposits.
During the event, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, congratulated President Museveni on his recent landslide victory in the 2026 elections and pledged UPDF’s continued loyalty in driving Uganda’s socio-economic transformation and ensuring strategic regional security, emphasizing national unity, peace, and socio-economic transformation as core revolutionary ideals.
“The firm foundation of our country was built on the sacrifices of our people. It is now the responsibility of all Ugandans to secure and build upon these gains for the progress of Uganda, the region, and Africa,” Gen. Muhoozi said.
The Chief of Defence Forces also assured Ugandans that the country remains peaceful and secure, noting that despite threats prior to the elections, citizens largely heeded guidance to vote responsibly.
The ceremony also honored a group of distinguished military officers, including the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), awarding them medals in recognition of their contributions to Uganda’s liberation struggle and national development.
President Museveni giving the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), a medal in recognition of their contributions to Uganda’s liberation struggle and national development at the 45th Tarehe Sita Celebrations in Kabale today.
President Museveni presenting Lt. Moses Odongo with a UGX 10 million cheque and a certificate after he was named the inaugural CDF Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year 2025, in recognition of his exemplary service.
Lt. Moses Odongo was named the inaugural CDF Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year 2025, receiving UGX 10 million and a certificate in recognition of his exemplary service.
The event was attended by top government and military officials, including First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports Maama Janet Museveni, Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, 3rd Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Lukia Nakadama, and visiting military delegations.
The 45th Tarehe Sita commemoration in Kabale served not only as a tribute to Uganda’s liberation heroes but also as a platform to reaffirm the country’s commitment to peace, national unity, and socio-economic transformation.
With President Museveni and military leadership highlighting both security achievements and future development plans, the event underscored the enduring link between Uganda’s revolutionary history and its aspirations for growth and regional stability, inspiring citizens to continue building on the sacrifices and gains of the past.
