By Lumpe Media
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for maintaining tight and effective security during the recently concluded general elections, saying their professionalism ensured a peaceful democratic process.
“I want to salute the UPDF and other security forces for the robust security they provided during the elections. They did a very good job,” the President said.
Museveni made the remarks today while presiding over the 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations held at the National Teachers’ College (NTC) grounds in Kabale Municipality. He was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Museveni.
The commemorations were 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, marked annually on February 6, commemorates the launch of Uganda’s Liberation War in 1981, when the National Resistance Army/Movement began the armed struggle with an attack on Kabamba Barracks by 43 fighters armed with just 27 rifles—an event that shaped the country’s revolutionary and democratic journey.
President Museveni revealed that there were attempts by some groups to disrupt the electoral process, but security agencies acted swiftly to neutralise the threats.
“I salute the UPDF for quickly dealing with the troublemakers,” he said.
The President also thanked Ugandans for participating peacefully in the elections and for overwhelmingly supporting the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
“I want to thank and congratulate the people of Uganda for the elections we just had. I especially thank the people of Kigezi and Ugandans at large for voting massively for the NRM,” he said.
He further congratulated the nation on reaching 45 years since the launch of the liberation struggle, urging Ugandans to appreciate the historical continuity of the revolution.
“When you talk about Tarehe Sita, you should remember that there were earlier struggles that fed into it. Those who participated in the struggle had been trained earlier in Mozambique, Tanzania and later Uganda. The liberation struggle should therefore be told as one connected story,” he said.
Turning to the economy, President Museveni highlighted Uganda’s steady growth, noting that the country is now a lower middle-income nation with ambitions of attaining high middle-income status in the near future.
“Our economy is growing very fast. We have the capability to become a high middle-income country in a few years,” he said.
He assured residents of Kigezi that the region has strong economic potential, particularly in tourism, commercial agriculture and manufacturing, if the population embraces wealth creation strategies.
The President also confirmed plans to expand Kisoro Airport and establish another international airport in the Kigezi sub-region to boost tourism, alongside plans for a new international airport in Mbarara City to support trade and business—one he said would be bigger than Entebbe International Airport.
In addition, Museveni called for urgent land acquisition in Rubanda District to facilitate the establishment of a large iron ore processing factory, aimed at fast-tracking extraction and value addition of the region’s rich mineral resources.
Earlier, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Jacob Oboth-Oboth, congratulated President Museveni on his re-election on behalf of the ministry’s civilian staff.
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, also congratulated the President on his landslide victory in the 2026 general elections and pledged the UPDF’s continued loyalty.
“We shall support you as you continue to uplift Ugandans to upper middle-income status and sustain the socio-economic transformation journey while ensuring strategic security for East Africa and the continent,” Gen. Muhoozi said.
He noted that the ideals of national unity, peace and socio-economic transformation have guided the revolution from its inception.
“The firm foundation of this country was built through sacrifice. It is now the responsibility of all Ugandans to protect and build upon the gains of the revolution for the progress of Uganda, the region and Africa,” he added.
On the country’s current security situation, Gen. Muhoozi assured Ugandans that peace prevails nationwide.
“Despite threats peddled by hostile actors ahead of the elections, Uganda has experienced the most peaceful and decisive elections since 1996. The electorate largely followed our advice to vote and return home peacefully,” he said.
The UPDF Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Maj. Gen. Henry Masiko, informed the President that the Tarehe Sita celebrations marked the climax of a series of defence forces activities that began in November last year and were conducted in phases to accommodate the electoral calendar.
During the event, several senior army officers, including the CDF, were decorated with medals in recognition of their contribution to the liberation struggle and national development.
The celebrations were attended by the Vice President, H.E. Jessica Alupo, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, Deputy Speaker Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa, Third Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Lukia Nakadama, cabinet ministers, visiting military delegations, and other dignitaries.
Lt. Moses Odongo emerged winner of the inaugural CDF Award for Outstanding Junior Officer of the Year 2025 and was awarded Shs10 million and a certificate.
