UPDF cleans Fort Portal City to mark 44th Tarehe Sita
FORT PORTAL CITY, February 5, 2025 – The Uganda People’s Defense Forces [ UPDF ] Mountain Division has given back to the community by spearheading a cleaning exercise in Fort Portal City as part of the Force’s corporate social responsibility.
This initiative was among the activities lined up in celebration of the 44th Tarehe Sita, a day that commemorates the beginning of the liberation struggle led by the National resistance Army [NRA], the precursor to the UPDF.
The cleaning exercise, which took place on Tuesday, saw UPDF soldiers working alongside various stakeholders to clean key areas of the city, including Fort Portal regional Referral Hospital, Kabarole Hospital, markets and other public spaces.
Strengthening ties with the community
Speaking during the cleaning exercise, the Deputy Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division, Col. Paul Muwonge, emphasised the activities leading up to Tarehe Sita day on February 6 are meant to strengthen the bond between the army and the people.
He noted that such initiatives reflect the UPDF’s commitment to serving beyond its military duties.
“This is a special time within the week where we engage in activities that build strong relationships with the communities we serve. The UPDF is not just about national security; we are also committed to the well-being of our people,” Muwonge stated.
His sentiments were echoed by Emmanuel Businge, the deputy Resident City Commissioner of Fort Portal central, who commended the UPDF for showing that it is truly a “People’s army”.
“The army is subject to civilian authority and engaging in activities like this reaffirms that the UPDF is part of the community,” Businge said.
He further urged city leaders and residents to take inspiration from this initiative and make cleanliness a continuous practice.
City leaders and Tooro Kingdom commend UPDF’s efforts
Fort Portal City Deputy Mayor, Betty Mujungu lauded the UPDF for extending a helping hand to the city council in cleaning the town.
She emphasised that while maintaining cleanliness is the primary responsibility of the city council, the support from UPDF demonstrated a collaborative spirit.
“As a city, we are pleased to celebrate the 44th Tarehe Sita with UPDF. Their participation in cleaning the town shows how much they are committed to the people,” Mujungu said.
On his part, Tooro Kingdom’s Deputy Prime Minister, Calvin Armstrong, commended UPDF for joining forces with the Kingdom to promote a cleaner Fort Portal City.
He announced that Tooro Kingdom plans to make city cleaning a monthly activity to ensure that Fort Portal retains its reputation as one of Uganda’s cleanest cities.
“We have already approached the city council with our plan to clean the city regularly. Tarehe Sita provided the perfect opportunity to launch this initiative,” Armstrong revealed.
He encouraged all residents to actively participate in keeping the city clean.
A call for collective responsibility
The day’s activities served as a wake-up call to both the city leadership and the general public to prioritize cleanliness and environmental conservation.
With the UPDF taking lead, leaders said it is now up to the residents of Fort Portal City to sustain the momentum and ensure that their city remains clean and beautiful.
As Uganda celebrates 44 years since NRA struggle began, this gesture by the UPDF Mountain Division highlights its ongoing commitment to the people it serves- not just in matters of security, but also in community development and social responsibility.
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