The State minister of defence Hon. Engola Okello has this afternoon launched the 2017 army week (Tarehe Sita week) ahead of Tarehe Sita celebrations.
The launch was at the Army headquarters in Mbuya this afternoon. Army week is divided into three categories, starting with today’s National launch, tomorrow 28th January will be Regional lunch and on 29th will be District launch.
The week will run under the theme; ''The people and their security force'' celebrating a patriotic partnership that guarantees security for National Development.”
At the launch, the chief of defence forces Gen. David Muhoozi explained that celebrating Tarehe Sita is a reminder of where the military came from, where they are and where they want to be, together with the people of Uganda.
“Today is the National Launch of Tarehe Sita week, marking the birthday way back in 1981 same date, it is celebrated annually and it rotates from region to region. This year’s annual event will take place in Lango Sub region, Apach district” Gen. Muhoozi said.
He added that the event is preceded by some activities by the defence forces, mainly things to do with infrastructural works and health extension services.
The CDF said that Lango was chosen for this year’s celebration due to its role in defeating the LRA rebels, an insurgency that caused a lot of suffering to the people of Northern Uganda and retarded development.
“As we celebrate the peace dividend post the defeat of LRA, the UPDF would like to express its solidarity with the people of Uganda generally and to reaffirm our commitment and loyal partnership on the security, stability, development and prosperity that we all seek together to achieve and to maintain for our country” Muhoozi said.
State minister for Defence, Hon. Engola said the military feels it should thank the community and interact with them in this one week because they are always away.
He says the one week gives them an opportunity to interact with the community and know the problems these people face and advise the government and the commander in chief so that he can take on people’s problems.
