By CHIMPREPORTS
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, also the Commander In Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), commended Ugandans for embracing National Resistance Movement (NRM) ideas, which he believes have facilitated the country’s development. During the 43rd Tarehe Sita Anniversary Celebrations at Busesa Grounds, Bugweri District, he expressed gratitude, stating, “I thank you very much, the people of Uganda; when we brought our ideas, you accepted them because if you didn’t accept, we would have been isolated.”
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni, the President acknowledged the pivotal role of Ugandans in the NRM struggle, which has contributed to the growth of the country’s economy. He emphasized the need to combat corruption for further economic progress, stating, “That is why the economy has grown so much, but it could grow more if we get rid of corruption. You must fight the corrupt people and those who don’t care.”
President Museveni highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing security and acknowledged the capability and education of the army, police, prisons, intelligence services, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. He emphasized the importance of recruiting educated individuals into the army, noting their quick learning abilities, making it easy to build a strong force.
Addressing regional partnerships, the President mentioned positive collaborations with Somalia, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, Burundi, and the DRC. He welcomed a delegation from Algeria, citing their advanced technology and expressing interest in acquiring it for security purposes. Electronic vehicle number plates and enhanced surveillance through cameras were mentioned as measures to streamline security efforts.
Paying tribute to the people of Busoga for their participation in the NRM struggle, President Museveni acknowledged external support from Tanzania and Mozambique. He highlighted the crucial role played by Mwalimu Nyerere in training and equipping Ugandan forces during the struggle.
Vice President H.E Jessica Alupo underscored the significance of the theme for the anniversary celebrations, urging Ugandans to safeguard the peace, unity, stability, and democracy achieved through the sacrifices of patriots.
Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the First Deputy Prime Minister, requested support for training youth in minerals studies following the discovery of rare earth minerals in Busoga. She also sought the completion of the Bugweri District Headquarters by the UPDF Engineers Brigade.
President Museveni assured involvement of the UPDF Engineers Brigade in completing the Bugweri District Headquarters and emphasized the importance of professionalizing the national army.
Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, the Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, expressed gratitude to President Museveni for building a modern, disciplined, and strong army.
Gen. Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, UPDF Chief of Defence Forces, praised President Museveni for establishing a modern, professional, effective, and efficient force that remains accountable to the people.
Gen. Henry Matsiko, Chief Political Commissar of the UPDF, highlighted the Tarehe Sita celebrations in Busoga as a gesture of appreciation for the region’s support during the struggle.
At the ceremony, Maj. Gen. George Igumba presented 51 awardees to the President, recognizing their exceptional service to the country.
Prior to the event, President Museveni and the First Lady visited the family of the late Alhajj Kirunda Kivejinja, paying tribute to the former Second Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of East African Community Affairs who passed away in 2020. The President pledged a contribution of Shs100m to the family SACCO.
The event drew notable attendees, including the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Rukia Nakadama, former Prime Minister Mr. Kintu Musoke, NRM Secretary General Hon. Richard Todwong, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Diplomatic Corps members.
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