“Tarehe Sita Is About Sacrifice and Transformation” – Museveni

President Yoweri Museveni on Friday marked the 45th anniversary of Tarehe Sita in Kabale, paying tribute to early fighters of the people’s resistance and commissioning a monument in honour of patriots executed during the struggle.

“I thank God for visiting Kabale to mark the 45th Tarehe Sita,” Museveni said, recalling that three patriots were executed in Kabale in 1973 during the early phase of the resistance, alongside many others across the country. He said the monument was commissioned to honour their sacrifice and preserve the historical memory of the liberation struggle.

President Museveni was accompanied to the function by First Lady Janet Museveni. It was also attended by a host of military chiefs from the region.

Tarehe Sita, commemorated every February 6, marks the 1981 attack on Kabamba Military Barracks, which launched the five-year guerrilla war that eventually brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to power in 1986.

Also in attendance, were government officials, diplomats and the CDF General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

The President congratulated Ugandans for what he described as their sacrifices and overwhelming support in the recent elections, noting that national stability was rooted in the struggles and resilience of ordinary citizens.

Turning to development, Museveni highlighted the economic potential of Kabale and the wider Kigezi sub-region, pointing to opportunities in minerals, agriculture, and tourism. He said that with proper organisation and value addition, these sectors could drive manufacturing, industrial growth, service expansion, and improved living standards.

President Yoweri Museveni inspects a guard of honor at the military parade during celebrations to mark Tarehe Sita

“Kigezi has enormous potential which, if well organised, can support industrialisation and deliver a better quality of life for all,” he said.

The Kabale commemorations formed part of nationwide Tarehe Sita activities that reflect on the origins of the liberation struggle while linking historical sacrifice to Uganda’s current security and development trajectory.