Hundreds of individuals gathered this morning to join the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) 401 Brigade Irenga in launching the Tarehe Sita activities in Ntungamo Municipality and the surrounding district.

Led by Brigade Commander Lt. Col. Gumizamu Kafureeka, the force, which included members of the police and prison services, participated in a cleanup campaign at the Ntungamo Municipal Grounds. They marched through the municipal streets, joined by a diverse group of leaders, civil servants, members of the business community, and market vendors, all collectively engaging in efforts to enhance cleanliness and sanitation in the area.

Lt. Col. Kafureeka emphasized that the Tarehe Sita celebrations symbolize the spirit of unity between the armed forces and the community they serve. He expressed gratitude to the community for their steadfast support of the revolution and acknowledged their ongoing cooperation with the UPDF in efforts to stabilize the sub-region.

During the event, the Resident District Commissioner of Ntungamo, Byarugaba Isaiah Kanyamahaane, commended the UPDF as a people's army that enjoys widespread trust across the nation. He praised the business community for actively participating in the cleanup activities and encouraged them to emulate the UPDF’s commitment to community service.

This year's 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary celebrations will take place in the Greater Masaka region, under the theme, "Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the People's Sacrifice in Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-economic Transformation."

Tarehe Sita, which means "the sixth day" in Swahili, commemorates the launch of the war on February 6, 1981, against the government that emerged from the disputed 1980 elections, beginning with an attack on the Kabamba military barracks.