Joint security forces clean Kihungya, Karuma Towns on Tarehe Sita

Bunyoro: A team of joint security personnel from the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), Uganda Police Force, and officials from Uganda Electricity Generation Company Ltd, together with local residents, conducted a comprehensive clean-up exercise in Karuma town, Kiryandongo District.

The clean-up exercise, flagged off by James Begumisa, the commander of Karuma Barracks, took place on February 6, 2025, in commemoration of Tarehe Sita, marking the day the National Resistance Army (NRA) began its liberation struggle.

Security forces, alongside primary school pupils, cleaned streets, markets, and other public areas, emphasizing the importance of sanitation.

Begumisa highlighted the initiative’s goal of fostering community engagement through such activities.

Bonny Okot, Vice Chairperson of Kiryandongo District, and Edith Kafuko, Town Clerk of Karuma, expressed gratitude for the collaborative effort between security forces and the community. They commended the positive relationship that exists between the two entities.

Justin Opoka, a political commissioner at Karuma Barracks, also extended his appreciation to the government and the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) for their support. He praised the initiative, noting that security officers participating in community clean-ups has helped change public perception of soldiers.

In Kihungya Trading Center, Kihungya Sub-County, Buliisa District, local leaders and community members, led by the UPDF’s 15 Marine Brigade from Wantembo Barracks, participated in a massive clean-up exercise as part of activities leading up to the 44th Tarehe Sita celebrations.

The team, comprising UPDF personnel, local leaders, community members, and students from Kihungya Seed Secondary School, Salvation Primary School, and Kihungya Primary School, kicked off the exercise at around 10 a.m. with a march through Kihungya Trading Center.

The clean-up focused on public places, including Kihungya Market, Kihungya Health Center III, Kihungya Sub-County headquarters, streets, and schools. Participants, including UPDF soldiers, local leaders, and school pupils, were seen sweeping, collecting, and burning rubbish. Additionally, free HIV testing and counseling services were provided to community members.

Major Joseph Ssebukeera, the 15 Marine Brigade Administrative Officer from Wantembo Barracks, praised the collaboration between local leaders, civilians, and the UPDF in maintaining cleanliness and public health.

Nationwide, these activities culminated in the main Tarehe Sita celebration on February 6, commemorating the first attack launched by the NRA in 1981 during the liberation struggle.

Meanwhile, in Masindi District, celebrations took place in Bwijanga Sub-County, where the Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Mr. Darius Nandinda, lauded the UPDF for its discipline, people-centered approach, and revolutionary impact on Uganda’s progress over the past 43 years.

Addressing young patriots, he emphasized the importance of HIV prevention and financial discipline in achieving personal and national economic development.

“Poverty is a source of insecurity. A Ugandan soldier must and will never be poor again. This was one of the causes of robberies, looting, and other misconduct in the past unprofessional armies that the NRA, now UPDF, replaced. It’s not how much you earn but how you utilize your income. I know of comrades who earn UGX 5,000,000 monthly but are always in debt. Use your income wisely to generate more wealth with the opportunities provided by the government, led by Gen. Y.K. Museveni, our Commander-in-Chief,” Nandinda advised.

The event concluded with a brass band performance showcasing musical skills, as officers, soldiers, and patriots shared a humble meal under the cooling tropical sun, amid changing climatic conditions.

Story filed by Innocent Atuganyira and Pascal Onega

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