RUBANDA, UGANDA – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has handed over community development projects , including a Maternity Ward, Latrine, Classroom Blocks, and Medical Equipment to selected schools and health facilities in Rubanda District
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!The handover ceremony was held yesterday at Volcano Hotel in Rubanda Town Council, where delivery beds and mattresses for different health facilities were also presented.
All this is part of National Army’s program to give back to the community in preparation for the upcoming 45th Tarehe Sita Celebrations.
The completed construction projects include a Maternity Ward at Bubare Health Centre III, a Four-Stance Pit Latrine at Hamurwa Primary School, and a Two-Classroom Block at Burorero Primary School. The donated Delivery Beds and Mattresses are designated for Rubanda District General Hospital, Hamurwa Health Centre IV and Bubare Health Centre III.
Speaking as the Chief Guest, State Minister of Defense (Veteran Affairs), Huda Oleru Abason praised the UPDF for not only defending the nation, but also their contributions to the socio-economic transformation of the civilian community.
She urged the people of Rubanda and the wider Kigezi Sub-region to reject divisive practices such as sectarian politics based on religion and tribe, which threaten peace, political stability, and national unity—achievements that the NRA/UPDF have fought for through sacrifice and bloodshed.
“Let’s refrain from divisive language and practices rooted in sectarianism, as they undermine the foundations of the peace we enjoy today,” she stated.
The Minister called on citizens to instead vote for leaders based on individual merit, considering their track records and ability to represent them effectively in decision-making processes.
The UPDF’s Joint Staff Policy and Strategy Major General Don Nabaasa, representing the Chief of Defense Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, said that the UPDF giving back to the Community was an acknowledgment and recognition that the army’s mandate stems from the Ugandan people. He noted that the NRA could not have succeeded in overthrowing dictatorial regimes without civilian backing.
Maj. Gen. Nabaasa highlighted some notable figures from the Kigezi Sub-region who lost their lives in Uganda’s liberation struggle, including the late FRONASA fighters James Karambuzi, Joseph Bitwari, and David Kangire, who were publicly executed by firing squad at Kabale Municipal Stadium on orders from former President Idi Amin Dada. A newly constructed monument now stands in the stadium to honor their memory.
Rubanda District Speaker Mary Waguma Tushemereirwe and Bubare Town Council LC.3 Chairperson Gerald Rukira expressed their gratitude to the UPDF for the development projects completed in Rubanda.
“Please tell President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, your Commander-in-Chief, that on the January 15, 2025, presidential election, Rubanda will reward him for all this,” Ms. Waguma said.
Rubanda District RDC Eric Ssewandigi appreciated the cooperation of the local community during the army’s construction projects and other activities in preparation for the 45th Tarehe Sita Celebrations. He also pledged that Rubanda was prepared to vote for President Museveni with over 90% support in the upcoming election.
Meanwhile, Col. Okei Rukogota, Director of the National Leadership Institute (NALI), explained that the UPDF had conducted numerous ideological orientation, patriotism, and mindset-changing workshops for youth leaders, students, religious leaders, and veterans across Kigezi ahead of next month’s celebrations. The UPDF also organized medical camps and tree planting activities.
“All these efforts are tokens of appreciation for the support received from the civilian community and a symbolic commitment to continued collaboration as we execute our primary mandate: defending and protecting Uganda from security threats,” he said.
Col. Rukogota further clarified that the mattresses distributed were a donation from the UPDF’s Savings and Credit Cooperative (SACCO), Wazalendo. “This is not government or Ministry of Defense funding; it’s soldiers touching their own pockets to share the little they have with civilians,” he added.
Kigezi has been chosen to host the 45th National Tarehe Sita Celebrations, with major events scheduled for February 6, 2026, in Kabale District. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is expected to be the chief guest
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