EASF Participates in Uganda's Tarehe Sita Celebrations

The Eastern Africa Standby Force Secretariat took part in Uganda's Tarehe Sita celebrations at Kitgum Core Primary Teachers College in northern Uganda on 6th February 2019.

Representing the Standby Force at the celebrations was the EASF Director, Dr. Abdillahi Omar Bouh.

The phrase "Tarehe Sita" means the 6th day of the month in Swahili language. The 6th February 1981 is symbolic in the Uganda's Peoples Defence Forces' (UPDF) calendar owing to the fact that the National Resistance Movement (NRM) launched it's first offensive against Kabamba Military Barracks of the then ruling establishment aiming to take over control of the country on this day. The NRM later metamorphosed into Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

President Yoweri Museveni, who is the Commander in Chief of the UPDF was the chief guest at the event. During his keynote speech, the President emphasized that just like the NRM, the success of UPDF missions will always depend on patriotism, pan-Africanism, democracy and socio-economic transformation.

The week was characterized by celebrations in Kitgum where the army had been giving back to the community by offering voluntary services. Some of the activities accomplished by the army included cleaning up the streets of Kitgum and supplying mosquito nets to the public among others. Tarehe Sita 2019 was celebrated under the theme: "UPDF and the People: Consolidating the Peace for Sustainable Development and Prosperity."

The celebrations were graced by many dignitaries from the Eastern Africa region and beyond.

The Republic of Uganda is one of the ten countries which form the Eastern Africa Standby Force.

Photo Gallery: EASF Participates in Uganda's Tarehe Sita Celebrations