Col. Mpagi (R) and Col. Senfuka are seen interfacing with the local community leaders in Entebbe town during the launch of the 37th army week activities. PPU Photos
By Capt Denis Omara
A contingent of officers and men from the Special Forces Command (SFC) and Uganda Peoples Defence Airforce (UPDAF) have on Saturday, 03 Feburary, 2018 launched a two day medical camp in lugonjo and Nkumba University sports ground in order to provide free medical services such as clinical and dental services, HIV counseling and testing, antenatal care etc to the wanainchi of Entebbe District as part of Tarehe Sita activities.
Presiding over the launch of the 37th Tarehe Sita army week, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Entebbe, Nalongo Rose Kirabira, thanked the UPDF for leading the way in fostering Regional Integration which has paved way for the attainment of peace and security in the Great Lakes Regional.
The D/RDC Entebbe Nalongo Rose Kirabira(in red), mayor Entebbe Municipality(2nd right) and UPDAF’s Col Mpagi, sing the National Anthem during the launch of Tarehe Sita army week in Lugonjo, Entebbe Municipality. PPU Photo.
She asked the wanainchi of Entebbe to embrace government programmes such as Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) that are aimed at lifting them from poverty.
The commander of 2 Special Force Group (2SFG), Col Peter Candia, hailed the UPDF for championing the cause for Regional Integration and security. He said that the East African states of Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, South Sudan and Burundi have each sent a small contingent of about 30 military officers and men to Uganda to benchmark on the success story of the army week.
2SFG Commander addressing the wanainchi on the importance of Tarehe Sita day and why it is commemorated annually. PPU Photo.
Col Candia said that the army week is meant to refresh and renew the strategic partnership which exist between the people and the UPDF and it’s the sole reason why the military from the sister countries are taking keen interest in.
He applauded the continued support by the community of Entebbe to the security sector actors in defeating the recent wave of insecurity which had rocked the District towards the end of 2017.
A cross section of the wanainchi and soldiers listening to speeches and remarks from guests. PPU Photo
The UPDF was joined in the celebration by the Uganda Police Force (UPF), government officials and the community at large. The Deputy Commander of SFC, Col Vincent Senfuka and Col. Mpagi of UPDAF led a team of officers and men in cleaning Entebbe Grade B Hospital, Kitoro town centre and Abaita Market Street.
Leading by example: Col Vincent Senfuka leading a team of SFC officers in cleaning Abaita market street. PPU Photo.
Every year the country celebrates Tarehe Sita day in remembrance of the first attack on Kabamba barracks on 6th February 1981 marking the beginning of a five year protracted bush struggle which brought an end to barbarism and lawlessness. The group (NRA) was led by the current President of Uganda, Gen. YK Museveni.
. Col. Mpagi and Col. Moses with officers and men of SFC, PPG and Aiforce teamed up to clean Entebbe grade B Hospital as part of Army week activities. PPU Photo.
This year’s theme is: “Re-affirming the contribution of Armed Forces towards Regional Integration for our Strategic Security, Development and Prosperity”.
SFC’s Dr Magoda taking the RDC through what the medical camp is expected to achieve by the end of two days.
The RDC Madam Kirabira take a test of her blood pressure level in Lugonjo during the launch of a medical camp on 3rd Feb, 2018.