Hundreds of people joined Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) 3 Division to launch Forces’ week – Tarehe Sita in Moroto Municipality, Karamoja Sub-region.
Brig Gen Joseph Balikudembe the 3 Division Commander led the troops to Moroto Central market, where they were joined by a cross-section of leaders, civil servants, the business community, and market vendors and commenced with general cleanliness and sanitation of the area.
“Today, we are recognizing the sacrifice of those who led the revolution and steered socio-economic transformation. We are giving back to the community through social corporate responsibilities, making it possible to go through and see generation to generation,” said Brig Gen Balikudembe.
The Division Commander noted that these Tarehe Sita celebrations and activities are a gesture of togetherness of the forces with the citizens whenever they are deployed.
“In Karamoja, we celebrate this year’s Tarehe Sita by giving a one-month amnesty to the Karimojong youth who are misguided to return the guns voluntarily and peacefully in operation Usalama Kwa Wote,” Brig Balikudembe remarked.
He thanked the community for supporting the revolution and commended them for their continuous support and cooperation with UPDF in its ongoing operations to pacify the sub-region.
Speaking at the same launch, Mr Tuko Justine Samuel, Deputy RDC, Moroto commended the UPDF as a people’s army that is trusted nationwide. He extended the District leadership’s appreciation.
“I thank the Division Commander for rallying his troops to come and showcase patriotism to the country, I also thank the President of Uganda and Commander in Chief of the UPDF HE. Gen Yoweri Museveni for instilling good discipline and professionalising the nation’s force” Mr Tuko said.
Similar civil-military activities are earmarked to be conducted in Soroti, Mbale, and Tororo towns within the 3 Division area of responsibility as troops continue to express the core and strategic relationship with the people.
The 42nd Tarehe Sita army week is celebrated under the theme “Recognizing the sacrifice of the founders of the Peoples’ revolution for social economic transformation”.
This year’s main Tarehe Sita celebrations will be held on 6th February 2023 at Kakyeka stadium, as medical outreaches, symbolic infrastructural projects, and social corporate responsibilities are ongoing in Greater Mbarara.