Jinja: Jinja Regional Referral Hospital and the Nalufenya Children’s Ward in Jinja City are among the beneficiaries of the general cleanliness initiative carried out by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) ahead of the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations.
On Wednesday, February 5, 2025, the national army cleaned the Busoga region’s health facilities to promote good sanitation in public places.
This initiative marks the completion of the annual Army Week celebrated in every region. Communal activities take center stage as the men in uniform embark on cleaning public spaces across the country.
“During this week, we always return to our strategic partners, the civilian population, because it is they who launched the liberation of Uganda on February 6, 1981,” said Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Kanyesigye, Cantonment Commander, Jinja Zone, while cleaning Jinja Main Hospital on Wednesday.
He highlighted the significance of the communal charity, emphasizing that “Cleaning these hospitals came after engagement with the local leadership of Jinja City Council when we were asking about what we could do for them in memory of this year’s Tarehe Sita celebrations.”
Mr. Hamphrey Mutasa, a Jinja Mayoral seat aspirant who also joined the army in the cleanliness campaign, stated that Tarehe Sita celebrations remind Ugandans of the importance of associating with the army and eliminating the image of fearing the UPDF.
“This is an important activity for the public, and you can see how the public is mingling with soldiers in uniform. This is something we want to embed in our community because initially, whenever people saw the UPDF uniform, they would just run away,” Mr. Mutasa said.
“The UPDF is here for the people. They are the army of the people, and we can mingle with them and work together for development and socio-economic transformation,” he added.
Brig. Gen. Kanyesigye, however, said the activities reassure the UPDF’s commitment to remaining with the civilians as the army’s strategic partners and bolstering security services.
Dr. Asipa Mugabi, the Jinja Hospital Administrator, praised the UPDF for promoting sanitation at the health facilities, stating that “The army has carried out their social responsibility to the community.”
He said, “Their coming here and interacting with them closes the gap that has been there and paints a picture that the men in uniform are also human beings like us.”
Tarehe Sita, which translates to “the sixth day” in Swahili, is a significant day in Uganda’s history. It commemorates the launch of the five-year guerrilla war on February 6, 1981, which ultimately led to President Museveni’s rise to power.
The war began with the National Resistance Army’s (NRA) attack on Kabamba military barracks, marking the start of an armed rebellion against Milton Obote’s government.
This rebellion was a turning point in Uganda’s history, leading to the downfall of Obote’s regime and the establishment of a new government, the NRA, which later transformed into the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Tarehe Sita is celebrated annually on February 6, with various events and activities taking place across the country. These events include military parades, cultural performances, and exhibitions, all aimed at promoting national unity, patriotism, and socio-economic transformation.
The day also serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the heroes who fought for Uganda’s freedom and independence. It celebrates their bravery, patriotism, and nationalism, which have shaped the country’s history and identity.
Last year, the celebrations were held at Busesa in Bugweri District, whereas this year, the event, which will be presided over by the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, will be held in Kyotera District, Greater Masaka.
