MP Atima, RCC Join UPDF in Launching Activities for 45th Tarehe Sita Anniversary
RCC Akello while launching Tarehe Sita anniversary activities in Arua city on Thursday. Photo Credit, Andrew Cohen Amvesi
ARUA CITY – Arua Central Division Member of Parliament (MP) Jackson Atima Lee Buti and the Arua Resident City Commissioner (RCC) Betty Akello have joined Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) officials in launching activities to mark the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary.
The launch took place at the Arua City Mayor’s Gardens on Thursday, December 18, 2025. MP Atima, alongside the city leadership, participated with the army in cleaning the town, including Arua Regional Referral Hospital and Arua Main Market, as part of the two-day community activities.
Lt Col George Okello, Commanding Officer of the 55 Infantry Battalion, explained that Tarehe Sita activities, usually launched in early February, were started earlier this year due to the ongoing electoral period.
“We are within the electoral period and we didn’t want to interfere with the electoral process, so our superiors decided to advance these activities. However, the main Tarehe Sita day remains February 6, 2026, and the national celebrations will be held in the Kigezi sub-region,” Okello said.
Speaking on behalf of the 409 Brigade, currently conducting operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo, he added that the activities are a way of giving back to the community through initiatives such as city cleaning.
“I thank politicians like Hon Atima for joining us. We are in the city serving the people, and they too are serving their electorates. This is not a campaign; it is simply giving back to the community by focusing on public-interest areas like hospitals and markets,” Okello explained.
In his remarks, MP Atima, who was joined by his mobilisers during the cleaning exercise, expressed gratitude to President Museveni and the men and women in uniform for bringing peace to the country.
“As leaders, political groups and mobilisers, we are protecting and consolidating the gains and peace that this government has brought,” Atima said.
Similarly, Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, the Arua City NRM chairperson, thanked President Museveni and the gallant forces for liberating the nation.
“We are reflecting on 45 years and celebrating at the same time. Where did we come from 45 years ago, what happened and why? In West Nile, we have seen what happens without a safe and secure country.
Today, we have peace, unity, security of persons and property, and a professional army with integrity. We also remember our sons and daughters in uniform who paid the ultimate price,” Bakoru said.
While launching the activities, RCC Akello urged Arua City residents to vote for President Museveni in the upcoming elections to sustain the prevailing peace.
Tarehe Sita commemorates the day the National Resistance Army, under President Museveni’s leadership, attacked Kabamba Barracks during the 1981 guerrilla war. It is marked annually on February 6.
Next year’s celebrations will be held under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honoring the Sacrifice of the Freedom Fighters: A Call to National Unity, Peace and Socio-Economic Transformation.”