Published on 08/12/2025
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) joined the fishing community of Rweshama Landing Site in Rukungiri District to celebrate the 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary through a community cleaning exercise along Lake Edward and surrounding areas.
The activity brought together the UPDF personnel, the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU), local leaders, and residents in a show of unity and civil-military cooperation.
Speaking during the event, the Officer in Charge of Nchwera Barracks Maj MK Wanbuzi, who also oversaw the day’s activities, said the celebration at Rweshama was aimed at giving back to a community that has long supported the forces.
“We are celebrating this 45th Tarehe Sita here at Rweshama Landing Site to show the people who stay in this area that we appreciate them for helping us during the difficult transition from the previous hostile government between 1981 and 1986,” he said.
He added that the cleaning exercise was part of the UPDF’s commitment to ensuring a healthier environment for communities living near water bodies.
“We are happy to be with the people, to clean and make sure this place is free of diseases that come from poor hygiene, especially in water-body areas,” he noted.
Lt George Ntungire, the Fisheries Protection Unit (FPU) Sector Commander for Lake Edward, launched the day’s activities alongside the residents. He explained that the exercise covered Rweshama Landing Site, Bugangari Health Centre IV, and the surrounding trading centre.
“Today we have launched one of the Tarehe Sita activities here at Rweshama Landing Site together with the fishing community. The activities include cleaning around the landing site, Bugangari Health Centre IV, and the trading centre, among others. We are lucky to have been joined by local leaders, making this exercise successful,” Lt Ntungire said.
He extended appreciation to the UPDF leadership for prioritizing community engagement.
“I take this opportunity to thank the UPDF leadership for coming back to the community and working together, showing solidarity with the civilian population,” he added.
The chairman of Rweshama Landing Site, Mr Komugisha Hakib, expressed heartfelt gratitude to the national leadership and the UPDF for choosing Rweshama as one of the centres for the 45th Tarehe Sita activities.
“I thank H.E. President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and the UPDF at large for coming here to celebrate this 45th Tarehe Sita with us. Through cleaning, slashing bushy areas, and showing us how to keep our landing site clean, the activities have been a great success,” Komugisha said.
He added that the community warmly embraces the UPDF’s projects and programs.
“With one heart, we and the entire Rweshama community thank the President for this initiative,” he concluded.
The day ended with renewed commitment to healthy living, environmental cleanliness, and continued cooperation between the UPDF and the people they serve.
