Security is tight in Butaleja District ahead of President Museveni’s visit for the National Tarehe sita celebrations today.
Joint security forces between Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and police have been deployed in every corner of the district.
The celebrations will be held under the theme “Re-affirming the contribution of armed forces towards regional integration for strategic security, development and prosperity.”
Mr Museveni is scheduled to preside over the function. Hundreds of residents have started gathering at Butaleja District Boma grounds for the celebrations.
The UPDF in partnership with military contingents from the East African Community have carried out several activities including rehabilitation of hospitals and government schools in Bukedi region as part of the activities to mark the 37th Terehe sita day.
Residents line up to be checked at Booma grounds.
The 3rd division spokesperson, Captain Isaac Oware said today marks the climax of Tarehe sita. “We started with cleaning and renovating schools, hospitals. We have been here for the last three weeks and today marks the end,’ said Capt Oware.
Mr Johnson Hasahya, a resident commended the army for renovating some of the schools in the district.
“As residents we are happy with the work of army. They have done a great job for us,” said Hasahya. He appealed to other security agencies to emulate army.
Ms Amina Nangobi another resident said Tarehe sita has changed Butaleja as far as hygiene and sanitation are concerned.
“The army cleaned every corner and treated people with different diseases. This is a big achievement to us and it has gone in the history of our district,” she said.
Soldiers have been deployed in almost every corner of the district. PHOTOS BY YAHUDU KITUNZI
Terehe sita is celebrated annually on February 6 to mark the National Resistance Army’s first attack on Kabamba barracks in Mubende in 1981, which resulted into a five-year bush war that brought the NRM party in to power.
The 2nd Deputy Prime Minister, Mr Kirunda Kivenjinja, who also doubles as the Minister for East African Community Affairs, said the army will use the celebrations to reconnect with and give back to the community by offering voluntary services.
