By Diana N.Kintu
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for maintaining peace and stability during the recent general elections.
Speaking at the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary commemorations held at the NTC grounds in Kabale Municipality, the President described the security operations as robust and effective.
“I want to salute the UPDF and other security forces for the robust security they provided during the recent elections. They did a very good job,” he said, noting that attempts to destabilise the process were quickly neutralised.
The anniversary, held under the theme “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation,” commemorates the launch of Uganda’s Liberation War on 6 February 1981, when 43 patriots armed with 27 rifles attacked Kabamba Barracks, setting the country on a revolutionary democratic course.
President Museveni, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, congratulated Ugandans on the peaceful elections and reaffirmed his commitment to economic transformation.
He highlighted Uganda’s progress towards becoming a high middle-income country, citing opportunities in tourism, commercial agriculture and manufacturing, particularly in the Kigezi region.
He also announced plans to expand Kisoro Airport, establish new international airports in Kigezi and Mbarara, and set up an iron ore factory in Rubanda District.
The country held presidential and parliamentary elections on 15 February last month, with President Museveni securing another term after winning 71 per cent of the vote against seven other contenders. Local Council elections followed subsequently.
Throughout the electoral period, security agencies reported no major incidents, attributing the success to heavy deployment and coordinated efforts. President Museveni commended the forces for ensuring a peaceful election period.
At the same celebrations, the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, pledged the UPDF’s unwavering loyalty to the President’s renewed mandate.
“We shall support you as you continue to uplift the people of Uganda to upper middle-income status and sustain the socio-economic transformation journey,” he said, emphasising the importance of unity and peace.
Other dignitaries, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa and visiting military delegations, attended the event. Distinguished officers were awarded medals for their contributions to Uganda’s liberation and development, while Lt Moses Odongo received the inaugural CDF Award for Outstanding Junior Officer of 2025.
Officials noted that this year’s anniversary was conducted in phases to accommodate the electoral period, culminating in Kabale with celebrations that honoured the sacrifices of freedom fighters and reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to peace and socio-economic progress.