President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has applauded the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and other security agencies for what he described as disciplined and professional conduct during the recent general elections.
As Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces, the President said the role played by the army and sister security institutions was central to maintaining peace and stability throughout the electoral period.
“I want to salute the UPDF and other security forces for the robust security they gave during the recent elections. They did a very good job,” he said.
The President made the remarks while officiating at the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations held at the National Teachers’ College grounds in Kabale Municipality.
He was accompanied at the event by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni.
The anniversary was 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.”
Tarehe Sita marks a defining moment in Uganda’s post-independence history, commemorating 6 February 1981 when the National Resistance Army launched the Liberation War with an attack on Kabamba Barracks.
The assault, carried out by 43 fighters armed with just 27 rifles, set Uganda on what the President described as a revolutionary democratic course.
President Museveni explained that the recent elections were conducted against the backdrop of planned attempts by hostile elements to disrupt the process.
He said the swift response by the security forces neutralised these threats and allowed the country to complete the elections successfully.
“I salute the UPDF for quickly neutralising those trouble makers,” he said.
The President also expressed gratitude to Ugandans for participating in the electoral exercise.
“I want to thank and congratulate the people of Uganda for the recent elections which we had. I thank you the people of Kigezi and Uganda at large for voting massively for the NRM.”
He further congratulated the nation on reaching 45 years since the launch of the armed struggle.
“When you talk of Tarehe Sita, you should not forget that there were earlier struggles before that which actually fed Tarehe Sita because the people who took part in the Tarehe Sita had been trained by the 28 whom we trained in Mozambique and who came and trained a bigger number in Tanzania and then a bigger number in Uganda. So, the whole struggle of the people of Uganda should be narrated in a connected way,” he urged.
Placing the liberation struggle in a broader historical context, President Museveni emphasised continuity between earlier revolutionary efforts and the eventual success of the National Resistance Movement.
Turning to the economy, the President highlighted Uganda’s recent economic performance and long-term aspirations.
“The economy of Uganda is growing very fast. We are now a lower middle-income country, but we target to become a high middle-income country in a few years and we have the capability,” he said.
He underscored the importance of wealth creation at household and regional levels as a foundation for national transformation.
Addressing residents of the Kigezi sub-region, the President said the area had strong potential for accelerated development if people embraced productive economic activities.
“Here in Kigezi you will have a very strong economy around the following activities; tourism, commercial agriculture and manufacturing,” he assured.
The President also outlined planned infrastructure investments aimed at unlocking regional economic potential.
He confirmed the expansion of Kisoro Airport and revealed plans to establish an additional international airport in Kigezi to support tourism.
He further announced intentions to construct another international airport in Mbarara City to facilitate trade and business.
According to the President, the proposed Mbarara airport is expected to be bigger than Entebbe International Airport.
In the extractives sector, President Museveni made an urgent appeal for land acquisition in Rubanda District.
He said the land would be used to establish a large-scale iron ore processing factory to speed up exploitation of the region’s mineral resources.
The Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, speaking on behalf of civilian staff at the ministry, congratulated President Museveni on his re-election.
He hailed the President’s continued leadership of the country and the armed forces.
The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, also congratulated President Museveni on what he described as a landslide victory in the 2026 general elections.
Gen. Muhoozi pledged the unwavering loyalty of the UPDF as the President begins another term.
“We shall support you as you continue to uplift the people of Uganda to the upper middle-income status and as you continue to sustain the socio-economic transformation journey and achieve strategic security for the people of East Africa and the continent,” he said.
The CDF noted that the ideals of national unity, peace, and socio-economic transformation were central to the revolution from its inception.
He said these principles continue to guide the country’s development and security agenda.
“The firm foundation upon which the country is anchored today was made possible because of the sacrifices of our people. The responsibility now lies in all Ugandans to make sure that the gains of the revolution are secured and further built upon for the progress of Uganda, region and Africa at large,” he noted.
Addressing the current security situation, Gen. Muhoozi assured the nation that Uganda remains peaceful.
He dismissed pre-election threats issued by hostile actors as unfounded.
“Contrary to the threats that were peddled by some hostile actors in the lead up to the elections, the country has had the most peaceful and decisive elections since 1996. The electorate largely heeded our advice to vote and then go home without causing any trouble.”
The UPDF Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, informed the President that the Tarehe Sita celebrations marked the climax of months of defence forces activities.
He said the activities had started in November of the previous year.
“This particular anniversary was deliberately conducted in phases to take care of the busy period of the electoral programs,” he said.
During the ceremony, a number of distinguished army officers, including the Chief of Defence Forces, were decorated with medals.
The awards recognised their contribution to the liberation struggle and the development of Uganda.
Lt. Moses Odongo emerged as the winner of the inaugural CDF Award for Outstanding Junior Officer for the year 2025.
He received a cash prize of Shs 10 million along with a certificate.
The event attracted a wide range of national leaders and dignitaries.
Those in attendance included the Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, the Chief Justice, His Lordship Flavian Zeija, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, and the Third Deputy Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Lukia Nakadama.
Ministers, visiting military delegations, and other invited guests also attended the celebrations.
