Museveni Announces New Museum to Honour Uganda’s Resistance Struggle

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to embrace discipline, hard work, and trust in God as the foundation for success, stressing that prayer must be accompanied by productive labour.

“Man was created in the image of God; therefore, we have the power to create, add, subtract, and exercise dominion over nature all under the guidance of God. What I don’t accept is relying on prayer alone without work. Success comes through hard work and trust in God, not just prayer,” he said.

The President, accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, made the remarks during the 15th Tarehe Sita anniversary thanksgiving breakfast held at the headquarters of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Uganda in Mbuya.

The ceremony was organised under the theme: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; then you will be prosperous and successful” (Joshua 1:8). Prayer of dedication was led by Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Sam Okiding, who read from Exodus 15:1–15 and prayed for the army and the nation.

Tarehe Sita Anniversary and Historical Reflection

President Museveni congratulated Ugandans on the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary, which marks the beginning of the resistance struggle at Kabamba.

He thanked Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba for reminding Ugandans about the role of the National Resistance Army in early operations, including Kabamba and Masindi.

Reflecting on history and sacrifice, the President shared experiences linking faith and effort.

He recalled that as a student, a timely cow purchase helped him continue his education.

He also spoke about the 1981 Kabamba operation, explaining that early setbacks were part of a larger plan.

“My Bazzukulu today have not seen the shortages, killings, brutalities of old armies, impassable roads, or early childhood deaths. We must continue to address poverty, corruption, poor roads, education gaps, and health sector issues,” he said.

Museum for Resistance History

The President announced plans to establish a museum dedicated to the resistance struggle.

“We got some land, we are going to build a museum of the resistance so that we give the information to the new generation about the problems of their country and the efforts that were extended,” he said.

“The theme of today’s occasion is important: if you stick to the code of conduct, you will succeed. This is not about money, it is about discipline, hard work, and trust in God.”

First Lady’s Prayer and National Thanksgiving

In her prayer, First Lady Janet Museveni thanked God for guiding Uganda over the past 45 years.

She prayed for divine protection over the UPDF since the 1981 Kabamba operations and expressed gratitude for the role of security forces in maintaining peace during the recent electoral period and supporting regional stability.

Defence Ministry Emphasises National Unity

Defence and Veteran Affairs Minister Jacob Oboth Oboth thanked the First Lady for accompanying the President and highlighted the spiritual significance of the thanksgiving tradition.

“This occasion allows us to honour God and recommit ourselves to the progress we have made in various sectors,” he said.

“With the theme of defending the gains and sacrifices of our national fighters, we come together to thank God for the many blessings bestowed upon our country.”

He also congratulated President Museveni on his recent electoral victory.

“The celebrations mark not only the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary but also reflect the courage, resilience, and commitment of our nation under your leadership, Your Excellency,” he added.

UPDF Journey and National Development

In a message delivered through Lt. Gen. Okiding, CDF Muhoozi said the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations in Kabale District provided an opportunity for reflection.

“We celebrated our 45th Tarehe Sita in Kabale under the theme of defending and protecting the gains of the revolution, and honouring the sacrifices of the freedom fighters,” he noted.

He said Ugandans expressed their desire for peace and socio-economic transformation through democratic participation.

“This call was translated by Ugandans through their ballots, demonstrating their desire to protect the gains of the revolution and consolidate the country’s progress,” he said.

He emphasised the UPDF’s evolution into a professional national force guided by faith and principle. “It is only God who has enabled us to reach the level of prosperity and success we are witnessing today. We thank the Almighty God for giving our President the strength and wisdom to lead us up to this day,” he said.

Professionalism and Global Contribution

Deputy CDF Sam Okiding highlighted the growth of the UPDF. “Day by day, the UPDF grew, standing firmly on clear principles. We have thrived on professionalism and contributed not only nationally but regionally and globally,” he said.

He reaffirmed that Uganda’s national motto, “For God and My Country,” remains central to the army’s foundation.

Faith, History and Leadership Reflection

Retired Archbishop of the Church of Uganda Luke Orombi expressed gratitude for Uganda’s journey.

“I am so thankful to the President, but above all, I give thanks to God. I have seen difficult days. I have seen seasons of uncertainty. I have witnessed prayers being lifted. And today, it is unique and powerful to see soldiers gathered to thank God,” he said.

Reflecting on biblical leadership transition, he said the country’s history mirrors the story of Moses and Joshua.

“The last years of leadership have opened our eyes to the Book of Joshua. Joshua took over from Moses and led the children of Israel into the Promised Land. The salvation and the fulfilment of God’s promise took 40 years,” he said.

Archbishop Orombi prayed for the army and national leadership. “I thank God for our national army. May you continue to remain a people’s army, guided by purpose and faith,” he said.

“May God grant the President wisdom to fulfil his calling as the leader of this nation.”

He also observed that nations prosper when they honour God. “When a nation honours God, God prospers that nation and grants it peace and even peaceful neighbours,” he said.

Defence Ministry Perspective

Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs Rosette Byengoma described the gathering as spiritual and reflective.

“Tarehe Sita is not just an event on the calendar. It is a symbol of courage and conviction. It reminds us of our responsibility to safeguard security, democracy and national unity,” she said.

She congratulated President Museveni on his electoral victory.

“We pray for God’s continued guidance, wisdom and strength as you lead our nation forward. We thank God for giving Uganda a visionary leader committed to a better future,” she added.

Veteran Testimony

Retired Lieutenant General John Mugume shared experiences from the liberation struggle, particularly early operations in Kabamba.

“I remember my time in Kabamba and the trying moments we went through as young soldiers. The sacrifices were enormous,” he said.

He explained communication challenges during the liberation struggle. “Things were not easy. There were no phones. The only line of communication moved from Kabamba to Ngoma, Katonga and other areas. We carried out our tasks without supervision, yet we remained committed,” he said.

Reflecting on Uganda’s transformation, he said: “The Uganda of then is very different from the Uganda of now.”

He thanked President Museveni for leadership and support. “We thank President Museveni for what he did for us and for the country. Above all, God has been at the centre of it all,” he said. “As veterans, we are very proud of the UPDF, and we are proud of President Museveni,” he concluded.