Public Service minister Muruli Mukasa has urged the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) to relentlessly shun sectarianism —a practice that reminds Ugandans of the past traditional tribal and colonial armies
The minister who was Guest of Honor made the remarks while addressing UPDF soldiers at the launch of the district Tarehe Sita Anniversary Civil-Military activities at St. Francis Mijeera Health Centre in Nakasongola district.
“For a successful revolution, guard against the resurgence of the old, colonial, militaristic and anti-people tendencies to guarantee peace and development in the country,” the minister told UPDF militants, adding that nationalism, Pan-Africanism, being pro-people and non-partisan as well as remaining productive in all sectors will continue making UPDF an engine and bedrock of peace.
The minister implored the local population to reciprocate the concerns of all security forces (Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service and Uganda wildlife Authority) so that the nation achieves more prosperity.
Hon Muruli further applauded UPDF for its remarkable contribution in responding to both health and educational concerns of the people from Nakasongola, saying this Corporate Social Responsibility tells the pro-people nature of UPDF.
The UPDF General Officer Commanding reserve Forces Lt Gen Charles Otema Awanyi noted that since Uganda is now peaceful, the rest (like youth employment) will come soon. “The fundamental thing called peace is now here and our next focus is the eradication of poverty,” Lt Gen Otema told senior UPDF leaders, religious and local leaders and locals from Nakasongola.
Hon Margret Komuhangi, Woman MP for Nakaseke District, appreciated UPDF activities in the region, adding that they are exemplary and urged locals to reciprocate UPDF activities.
Hon Muruli, later launched the medical camp at Nabiswera Health Centre III where UPDF medics donated mosquito nets and are offering free eye and dental services, free HIV/AIDS Testing and Counseling, maternity services, palliative care, and family planning services. UPDF engineers are also involved in minor reconstruction works at Kakooge Health Centre 111, Mulonzi and Buyamba Primary Schools. The Nakasongola District launch was also attended by Brig Gen Henry Masiko, Brig Ddiba Ssentongo, Brig Octavus Buturo, Brig Charles Byanyima, religious and local leaders and residents of the area.
