President Yoweri Museveni has praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and all security agencies for their vigilance in neutralizing threats during the 2026 general elections, ensuring a peaceful process that allowed the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to triumph with over 70% of the vote.
Speaking during the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations in Kabale, President Museveni stated that Uganda’s liberation was the culmination of a long and interconnected struggle that predates the armed resistance launched on February 6, 1981.
“As some people have said, if you only talk about Tarehe Sita, you will not do justice to the history of Uganda. There were earlier struggles which actually fed into Tarehe Sita,” he said.
Celebrated under the theme “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socioeconomic Transformation” Museveni noted that hostile groups plotted disruptions, but the robust security apparatus swiftly foiled them.
“Our security system is strong and ready to crush any threat to peace,” he affirmed, congratulating Ugandans, especially Kigezi residents, for their strong NRM support.
Chief of Defence Forces General Muhoozi Keinerugaba added that intelligence uncovered plans by misguided actors to spark violence, but security forces’ preparedness made these elections Uganda’s most peaceful ever.
With stability secured, Museveni shifted focus to prosperity. He announced key projects like tarmacking Kigezi tourism roads, expanding Kisoro Airfield, building a full airport in Kabale (with land pledged by businessman Amos Nyezi), and constructing an international airport in Mbarara to boost trade links with East Asia and South America.
He urged Kigezi locals to embrace commercial farming, using fertilizers and irrigation along with dairy, fish farming, and tourism for wealth creation.
The event also celebrated excellence: Lt. Moses Odongo, from the 203 Ground-Based Air Defence Regiment, won Sh10 million as the top junior officer at the first ever 2025 CDF Awards, scoring 86.71% after outshining finalists. Born in 1987 in Katakwi District and joining UPDF in 2013, Odongo exemplifies disciplined service, with Major Anthony Mwangi, Captain Andrew Asio Opus, and Lt Shem Begiraje also recognised.
Museveni honored Tarehe Sita’s legacy, tributing freedom fighters like James Karambuzi, David Kagoro Kangyire, Joseph Bitwari (killed under Idi Amin in 1973), and others executed in Fort Portal, Mbarara, Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, and Gulu. Their sacrifices underpin today’s unity and progress.
Several senior UPDF officers were decorated with the Kabalega Medal for distinguished service, including Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Lt Gen Charles Okidi, and Maj Gen James Kinalwa.
