The UPDF has launched events to mark the 37th Tarehe Sita anniversary and first ever East African Armed Forces week soon to take place in Bukedi region, with a call for deeper regional integration.
The events were launched on Tuesday at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya and were presided over by Uganda’s Second Deputy Prime Minister who is also Minister for East African Community Affairs, Kirunda Kivejinja.
State Minister for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Okello and the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen David Muhoozi also attended.
Kivejinja noted that the UPDF is on the right track of integration evidenced by its acceptance to host the very first East African Armed Forces week set to take place in Bukedi.
He urged members of the East African partner states to identify, maintain and consolidate what their ancestors adored and probably even move it to the next level.
“People should be fed with proper knowledge so that they are able to affirm themselves with knowledge that they are on the right track of representative democracy, patriotism, Pan Africanism and socio economic transformation,” he said.
“We need to be firm on ideology especially in the UPDF so as to consolidate and maintain the stability of our country and the region,” Kivejinja added.
The Minister further explained that achieving full integration by all EAC partner states will create a big market for regional products and unite people our porous borders notwithstanding.
State Minister for Defence in Charge of General Duties, Col (Rtd) Okello Engola urged the UPDF officers to guide all fraternal EAC partner states in organizing the event so ast to have smooth celebrations.
He implored all participants to expand on the achievements so far attained by EAC partner states
On his part, the CDF, Gen Muhoozi applauded the UPDF for hosting the activities appealing for people centred approach.
“We should resonate with the people as we share our journey for the development of our country,” Gen Muhoozi said.
During the EAC Armed Forces week, military contingents from Kenya, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan will engage in community based activities as a way of fostering cooperation between the army and civilians.
Both events will be marked on February 6 at the Boma grounds in Butaleja district.
The activities to take place in the districts of Butaleja, Paliisa, Budaka, Kibuku, Tororo, Busia by the military will be conducted by medical and emergency services contingents of the five armed forces.