On the crisp morning of February 4th, the streets of RCC Fort Portal Tourism City buzzed with an air of anticipation and unity. Today was not an ordinary day, today marked the beginning of preparations for the highly anticipated Tarre Sita celebration, a festival that would soon light up Masaka and echo into the halls of Buhinga Studium.
At the heart of this spirited event were Mr. Bayole Stanley and General Otto Richard, who held the esteemed titles of deputy prime minister of the Tooro Kingdom and deputy City mayor. Their leadership was evident as they took to the city streets with a shared mission: to clean and revitalize the urban landscape in a grand show of respect and communal pride.
As dawn broke, teams of dedicated volunteers gathered at the city center, armed with brooms, shovels, and buckets filled with water. Mr. Bayole Stanley, wearing a reflective vest emblazoned with the city’s emblem, addressed the crowd with warmth and vigor. "Today," he declared, "we are not just cleaning our streets—we are cleansing our hearts and renewing our commitment to community and tradition. The Tarre Sita celebration is not just a festival; it is our collective identity."
General Otto Richard, known for his strategic thinking and unwavering dedication, joined in the efforts, leading a group that meticulously swept every corner of the city. His calm presence and meticulous attention to detail served as an inspiration to many. "Our heritage is built on unity and resilience," he remarked to a group of young volunteers. "By coming together today, we pave the way for a brighter, cleaner tomorrow where our traditions can flourish."
Throughout the day, the streets transformed into a canvas of collective effort. The vibrant energy of local musicians filled the air as they performed traditional tunes, and elders shared stories of past celebrations, weaving a rich tapestry of memories that connected the present to generations gone by. Families, students, and city officials alike worked side by side, each person contributing to the transformation in their own unique way.
As the day drew to a close, the renewed and sparkling streets of Fort Portal stood as a testament to the city's spirit. The clean avenues and vibrant community spaces echoed with laughter and hope, setting the stage for the upcoming Tarre Sita celebration. Plans were already in motion for grand events in Masaka and special festivities at Buhinga Studium, promising days filled with cultural exhibitions, music, dance, and the retelling of cherished folklore.
In that moment, Fort Portal was more than just a city—it was a living symbol of tradition, unity, and progress. The efforts of Mr. Bayole Stanley, General Otto Richard, and the countless volunteers had sown the seeds of a celebration that would not only honor their rich cultural heritage but also inspire future generations to cherish and uphold the values of community and togetherness.
As the community gathered for an evening of shared meals and reflections, the promise of the Tarre Sita celebration shone brightly on the horizon. It was a reminder that in every act of service, no matter how small, lay the power to transform not only the streets of a city but the hearts of its people.
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Greater Masaka Prepares To Host 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary Celebrations
The 44th Tarehe Sita Anniversary will be celebrated in the Greater Masaka region, as announced by the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon Jacob Oboth-Oboth.
This annual event, organised by the government andthe Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), aims to honour the spirit of community partnership and Pan-African solidarity.
The celebration, under the theme “Celebrating Pan-African Solidarity and the Peoples’ Sacrifice in Struggle for Freedom and Democracy for Socio-economic Transformation,” will feature activities that give back to local communities.
Speaking at a consultative meeting with Members of Parliament from the Greater Masaka region at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Hon Oboth-Oboth praised the region for its enduring partnership with the UPDF. “I want to congratulate the people of Greater Masaka for being so lucky to be chosen for this year’s celebration. You may not know how many requests this ministry receives every year. It takes the effort of the Ministry and the Army together to give back to the community. And the Greater Masaka has been picked,” he remarked.
Hon Theodore Ssekikubo, MP for Lwemiyaga County, expressed pride in the region’s role as host, noting, “We are lucky that this year’s celebrations are taking place in the Masaka sub-region. We are proud to be associated with the 6th of February, the launch of the liberation of our country, Uganda.” He also commended the UPDF’s pre-celebration activities, such as constructing school structures and offering free medical services.
Maj Gen Jack Bakasumba, Chief of Joint Staff, highlighted the historical significance of Tarehe Sita, which commemorates the launch of the National Resistance Army’s (NRA) liberation struggle on February 6, 1981. He stated, “Every February 6, commencing from 1981, the army and the people of Uganda join hands during the Defence Forces Week to engage in activities aimed at cementing the strategic relationship that exists between the population and the defence forces.”
Masaka’s historical importance was also emphasised, with Maj Gen Bakasumba recalling its role as a launch pad for decisive battles in the 1985–1986-armed struggle. The event will feature activities across districts including Bukomansimbi, Kalangala, Kyotera, and Masaka City, culminating in Kyotera District on February 6, 2025.
The celebrations, held in different regions each year, were previously hosted in Busoga and Mbarara.
The meeting was attended by senior MODVA officials, MPs, and local leaders.
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