VP Alupo Celebrates UPDF’s Contributions to National Development
Vice President Jessica Alupo praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for their contributions beyond security, particularly through business, infrastructure, and agriculture. She highlighted the UPDF Engineering Brigade’s role in national projects and Operation Wealth Creation’s impact on agricultural productivity.
Vice President Jessica Alupo has praised the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for its contributions beyond security, highlighting the National Enterprise Corporation’s (NEC) involvement in business, infrastructure, and agriculture.
Speaking at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, where she launched activities for Army Week and the 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary, Alupo commended the UPDF Engineering Brigade for its role in major national projects, including the renovation of Mandela National Stadium and construction efforts in health and education sectors.
She also recognised Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) for boosting agricultural productivity, particularly in coffee production in Greater Masaka. She thanked Gen (Rtd) Salim Saleh for his leadership and called for continued collaboration to drive national development.
Reflecting on Uganda’s liberation struggle, Alupo described February 6, 1981, as a defining moment in the country’s history. She noted that the events of that day, led by President Yoweri Museveni, paved the way for the formation of the UPDF.
“February 6, 1981, was a watershed moment in our country’s history, shaping its trajectory toward peace, security, stability, freedom, democracy, and socio-economic transformation,” she said.
Quoting philosopher Frantz Fanon, whose work influenced President Museveni’s undergraduate thesis, she added: “Each generation must, out of relative obscurity, discover its mission, fulfil it, or betray it.”
Alupo further expressed gratitude to President Museveni for his efforts to improve the welfare of security forces and urged Parliament’s Committee on Defence and Internal Affairs to support initiatives that enhance UPDF personnel’s well-being.
“Despite limited resources, the UPDF has achieved remarkable success. Your efficiency in utilising available funds should be a lesson to bureaucrats in government ministries, departments, and agencies,” she said.
UPDF’s role in Uganda’s stability
Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister, Jacob Markson Oboth, lauded the UPDF’s role in transforming Uganda from political turmoil to economic growth.
“Before 1986, governance was dictated by cultural, religious, ethnic, and tribal interests. Today, Uganda stands as a beacon of hope and stability,” he said.
Oboth also credited the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government for advancing women’s leadership, highlighting that Uganda has had two female vice presidents since 1986.
“Before the NRM, there were no female vice presidents. Today, we have female MPs, ministers, a speaker, and a prime minister. We must thank President Museveni for this progress,” he added.
Lt Gen Sam Okiding, the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces, underscored the UPDF’s commitment to securing Uganda and the region.
“The 41 soldiers, of whom 27 were armed, led by President Museveni, shaped the destiny of this country. Their sacrifice brought stability and economic growth,” he said.
Using a metaphor, Lt Gen Okiding compared Uganda before 1986 to a patient in an intensive care unit.
“In an ICU, doctors must be patient and precise. Similarly, Uganda needed patience, resilience, and intelligence to recover,” he noted.
He urged Ugandans to educate young people on the nation’s history and sacrifices made to achieve peace.
“Some young people think our achievements happened by chance. We must teach them that stability and development were hard-earned,” he said.
He reaffirmed UPDF’s dedication to safeguarding Uganda.
“On behalf of the CDF and the UPDF family, I pledge that we will protect and preserve Uganda’s peace and stability at all costs,” he declared.
Uganda’s past and economic progress
Keynote speaker, Maj Gen (Rtd) Phinehas Manoni Katirima, reflected on Uganda’s political history and the challenges of past regimes.
He noted that since 1986, Uganda’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has expanded over 13 times, reaching USD 48.29 billion by the end of 2023, attributing this progress to President Museveni’s leadership.
Tracing Uganda’s turbulent past, Maj Gen Katirima recounted the oppressive regimes of the 1960s and 1970s, from Milton Obote’s rule to Idi Amin’s military dictatorship, which led to the deaths of an estimated 500,000 Ugandans.
He acknowledged the role of the Tanzanian army and various liberation forces, including FRONASA under President Museveni, in overthrowing Amin in 1979.
Maj Gen Katirima also recalled the five-year guerrilla war waged by the National Resistance Army (NRA) against Obote’s government, culminating in the capture of power on January 26, 1986.
Since then, the UPDF has maintained peace, security, and stability, earning recognition for its discipline and professionalism.
Tarehe Sita celebrations
Maj Gen Henry Masiko, the Joint Staff Political Commissar, emphasised that this year’s theme aimed to consolidate gains from the people’s revolution and recognise the role played by Tanzania and former President Julius Nyerere in Uganda’s struggle.
He announced that various Defence Forces Week activities would be carried out across Greater Masaka, all UPDF formations, and missions abroad.
The nationwide celebrations will culminate on February 6 in Greater Masaka under the theme: “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People’s Sacrifices in the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-Economic Transformation.”
The launch event was attended by ministers, Members of Parliament, former national leaders, permanent secretaries, Chief of Joint Staff Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, service commanders, MODVA staff, senior government officials, religious leaders, and other dignitaries.