By Acaye Henry
The Deputy Chief
Justice His Lordship Alfonse Owiny Dollo has praised the Uganda Peoples’ Defense
Forces (UPDF) for being a true professional and disciplined Army that has built
and sustained peace and stability both in Uganda and beyond. Justice Owiny Dollo
said this as he officiated at the 9th Tarehe Sita Thanksgiving Breakfast held
at the Ministry Of Defense and Veteran Affairs headquarters on Mbuya hill in
Kampala, under the theme : “Celebrating The Ambassadors of Peace” The
theme was retrieved from a Biblical text 2 Cor 5: 20.”
He commended UPDF for
exhibiting the spirit of pan-Africanism. He noted that because of the beautiful
work from the security forces, peace in Uganda has become a must in all efforts
to pacify Africa, adding that UPDF is powerful because they forever seek the
kingdom of God before any endeavor to create peace and prosperity. The Deputy
Chief Justice further noted that UPDF is composed of a different breed of
soldiers; ready to act within the law, respect civilian authorities, propel
democracy on top of engaging in activities that project the country to achieve
middle income status.
“As a non-partisan,
professional, Peoples’ Army; you have been inward looking and collectively
submitted to the civilian authority. We are very proud of you,” Justice Owiny
Dollo told the Defense fraternity.
“By the will of
God, UPDF will continue embracing the democratic process in Uganda, allow
exchange of views as well as continue building commanders who know the power of
the civilian authority” said Justice Owiny Dollo. He urged UPDF commanders
and troops to restrain from hostility and self-identity but rather tolerate
nationalistic ideas for the country to be different from past regimes.
The Guest Speaker Rev
Fr. Paulino Twesigye Mondo thanked God for helping UPDF achieve its purpose of
securing Uganda. He noted that because of the beautiful work from the security
forces, peace in Uganda has become a must. “If you love peace, then God invites
you in Uganda,” he said, adding that as ambassadors of peace, UPDF has ushered
in the fundamental change evidenced by the rapid infrastructural transformation
development, rule of law, development in ICT, improved health, among
others. He observed that UPDF has been able to liberate others because it
is an ambassador of peace that applies professional and practical skills in
order to transform societies. “Existence of Peace promotes wealth creation,
enhances creativity brings satisfaction and development, preserves good health,
among others,” said Rev Fr. Mondo.
The Minister of State
for Defense in Charge of Veteran Affairs Hon Lt Col(Rtd) Dr Bright Rwamirama on
behalf of the Minister of Defense and Veteran Affairs Hon Adolf Message said
UPDF is built on the foundation of professionalism and discipline. He cautioned
troops to maintain discipline while bearing in mind that the average purpose of
their work is to create a better country for all Ugandans. “UPDF primarily
exists to serve others,” he said.
The Permanent
Secretary of the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs Mrs. Rosette Byengoma expressed
gratitude to God for enabling the Defense fraternity diligently execute their
duties under the stewardship of President Museveni. She remarked that the day
is commemorated to celebrate the achievements of our gallant troops both living
and dead.
Also at the
Thanksgiving Breakfast, the Chief of Defense Forces Gen David Muhoozi,
applauded the Lord for giving Uganda a Commander-in-Chief Gen Yoweri Museveni,
who has the power and wisdom to build an Army based on the right ideology and
commitment to the needs of the population. Gen Muhoozi noted that the
thanksgiving commemorates the highlights of defence fraternity. He saluted UPDF
spouses for tirelessly working in unison with the troops to create peace and
stability in Uganda and beyond. “We are leaders because of what we do with
you,” Gen Muhoozi told the congregation.
In his closing prayer,
the Commander Land Forces Lt Gen Peter Elwelu prayed for forgiveness and mercy
during all UPDF missions and requested the good Lord to continue extending the
hand of wisdom to all commanders in the security forces.
During intercession,
the Deputy Inspector General of Police, Maj Gen Muzeyi Sabiiti, on behalf of
all Security Forces, guided by Peter 1:3 from the Holy Bible, asked God to
continue guaranteeing peace and security in the country and region.
At the annual 9th
Tarehe Sita Thanks Giving Breakfast, the 1st Reading was taken from Zechariah
3: 1-10 and 2nd Reading from Cor 5: 16-20, while the Moslem faith used Imran 3:
190-200 to praise Allah (God) for the peace and national transformation ushered
in Uganda by the Ambassadors of Peace (UPDF).
The function was also
attended by the Minister for Kampala Capital City Authority Hon Betty Kamya,
UPDF Joint Chief of Staff Lt Gen Joseph Musanyufu, Members of Parliament
including those from Acholi Sub –Region that hosted the recently concluded 2019
Tarehe Sita Activities, UPDF Chiefs and Directors, Representatives from Police
and Prisons services, veterans, wives of fallen comrades, children of fallen
comrades, civic leaders supporters, civilians in the Ministry of Defence and
Veteran Affairs, among others.