Political leaders and residents of Greater Mbarara region have expressed their gratitude towards the work that UPDF has done during the 42^nd Tarehe sita week in this region.

This was revealed during the 42^nd Tarehe sita celebrations held at Kakyeka stadium, Mbarara city on Monday.

During his speech, President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander in Chief of the armed forces who was the chief guest narrated the details of the attack revealing that, on February 6^th in 1981 at 08:00am, the 43 members of the special force, armed with 27 rifles attacked a huge garrison of the Kabamba military training school.

President Museveni appreciated everyone that has made a contribution towards the success of the revolution and promised that their strategic goals of prosperity for all, strategic security for Africa and African fraternity, will be achieved.

“I salute all the people that have made any contribution to these heroic efforts, including the people of the Ankole-Kigyezi area who went through the invasion of 1972; the 1979 war when I was involved in capturing Mbarara Town on the 28^th of February, 1979; and the protracted battle for Mbarara ─ 1985, when we besieged Mbarara barracks for 3 months,” said President Museveni.

Hon Mwesigwa Rukaari, the Member of Parliament Mbarara city said that the plan to bring Tarehe sita in Mbarara region was the best decision noting that Mbarara has been the centre of revolution since 1960s and for all the other revolutions throughout the years Mbarara was so involved and played a good role.

Rukaari added that through the work and dedication of UPDF, leaders and residents of Greater Mbarara region are now able to sacrifice their time for sanitation work and other works of development.

At the same event which was basically to benefit the people of Greater Mbarara Region through Tarehe sita week activities, Hon Jenipher Muheesi, the woman Member of Parliament Kazo district also appreciated UPDF for recognizing the work, the people of Mbarara did during the struggle.

During Tarehe sita week, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) did several activities like renovation and construction of infrastructure in select schools & health centres, health camps, general cleaning of towns and electing of monuments in remembrance of the efforts and sacrifices of the people from Greater Mbarara in the liberation struggle. 

The activities were carried out in Mbarara City and district, Ibanda, Kazo, Isingiro, Kiruhura, and Rwampara districts.

The 42^nd Tarehe Sita anniversary was held under the theme: “Recognizing the Sacrifice of the founders of the Peoples Revolution for social economic transformation.”

Tarehe Sita is the day UPDF marks the attack on Kabamba barracks in 1981 which launched the five-year struggle that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government into power 37 years ago.

The day is celebrated every 6th of February.

The Minister of Defence, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja has today officiated the launch of the 42nd Tarehe Sita anniversary army week activities in Greater Mbarara sub-region.

Speaking as chief guest at the function that took place at Kazo Playground, in Kazo Town council, Kazo district, Ssempijja commended the people of Kazo for the various roles they played during the liberation saying that it’s the reason for the decision to bring this function to Kazo and greater Mbarara. 

Speaking at the same function, the Deputy Chief of defence forces Maj. Gen. Don Nabasa who represented the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi noted that Tarehe Sita activities exist not that they have a lot but to cement the relationship between the army and the people of Kazo and greater Mbarara for the work they did during the struggle.

The Chief of Civil-Military Cooperation in the UPDF, Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande lauded the residents for maintaining a strong relationship with the army, noting that the regional activities that include medical outreach programs, tree planting campaign and the construction and renovation of infrastructure in selected areas which symbolize the historical relationship between UPDF and the people which is critical for peace and stability so that prosperity can reign.

Kazo district leaders led by the chairman LC V, Rev Samuel Mugisha and the area member of Parliament, Hon Dan Kimosho appreciated the president and the UPDF for considering Kazo to host this function saying the sons of Kazo also did good work in liberating this country.

The regional launch was attended by several dignitaries like; representatives of security forces, political leaders of greater Mbarara sub-region , religious leaders, historicals, opinion leaders among others and was celebrated under the Theme; “Recognizing the sacrifice of the founders of the people’s revolution for social economic transformation.”

In an effort to raise awareness about Hepatitis B, our reporter caught up with Mumbere Sam, the in-charge of Bahamagara Medical Clinics operating in Kazo Town Council, Kazo District.

Dr Mumbere explained that Hepatitis affects people in different ways; some may experience fatigue, stomach pain or fever, while others may not even know that they have Hepatitis.

A section of people develop serious health ailments, which include liver failure or brain damage.

According to the World Health Organization(WHO), Hepatitis B is a viral infection that attacks the liver and can cause both acute and chronic disease.

The Hepatitis virus presents in five commonly known strains: Type A, B, C, D and E.

All of them affect the liver but there are some key differences in origin, transmission, and severity of the disease. 

WHO adds that the virus is most commonly transmitted from mother to child during birth and delivery, as well as through contact with blood or other body fluids during sex with an infected partner, unsafe injections or exposures to sharp instruments.

WHO maintains that Hepatitis is manageable and can only be preventable with vaccination, but there is no cure at present. 

Dr Mumbere has urged people to avoid all the ways of contracting viral infections like avoiding unprotected sex with an infected person, constant testing, among others which are the most common cause of hepatitis.

Dr Mumbere has also urged people to vaccinate noting that Hepatitis B can be prevented by vaccines that are safe, available and effective.

WHO estimates that Hepatitis B affects approximately 296 million people, including over 6 million children under the age of 5 and it contributes to an estimated 820,000 deaths every year.

The state Minister of defense in charge of army veteran affairs in Uganda, Mrs. Oleru Huda Abason has revealed that the amendment of UPDF 2005 Act, yet to be tabled in parliament as a bail is intending to solve issues of army veterans like compensation, pension, health treatment among others.

Meeting army veterans in Kiruhura district yesterday at Kiruhura headquarters, Minister Huda received several complaints from these veterans about the problems they are facing.

Some of the complaints are that veterans face difficulties in the process of getting their pension yet it is little, they are ignored by the government among others.

One of NRA veterans told Minister Huda that government did not trace them or relatives of those who died and that up to now they are not helped.

In response, Minister Huda encouraged them to be patient adding that their issues will be solved after the parliament passes UPDF 2005 Act into law.

She added that compensation, creating referrals, pension payments are some of the major issues targeted.

Minister Huda urged army veterans to remain hopeful not immediately relinquish yet good things are coming to them from the government.

Hon. Tayebwa Herbert, MP for Kashongi County also noted that army veterans in Kashongi are struggling with many challenges that need solutions to improve their standards of living.

Hon. Wilson Kajwengye, MP for Nyabushozi county noted that for both FRONASA veterans and NRA later UPDF veterans, spouses of those deceased should be considered by the government.

George Bakunda, the RDC for Kiruhura told the veterans that although they are suffering, government has a plan for them.