Africa-Press – Uganda. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has lined up a series of friendly sports activities against teams from Kabale Municipality as part of preparations for the Tarehe Sita national celebrations scheduled to take place this week in Kabale.
The sporting programme, which will run from February 4 to February 5, 2026, will feature football and netball matches as well as a marathon, bringing together UPDF teams and their civilian counterparts in a show of unity, fitness and sportsmanship.The main Tarehe Sita celebrations will be held at the former National Teachers’ College playground in Kabale Municipality.
Organisers said the activities are open to the public and free of charge, encouraging residents to turn up in large numbers and actively participate in the celebrations.The initiative is intended to strengthen civil–military relations while deepening ties between the UPDF and communities across the Kigezi sub-region.
The matches are expected to attract a wide cross-section of the community, including district and municipal leaders, religious leaders, youth, elders and residents, alongside senior military officers and UPDF generals.
The Joint Staff for Formal Education, Sports and Culture, Brigadier General Richard Karemire, said sports remain a powerful tool for promoting discipline, teamwork and peaceful coexistence.
“The matches and other activities continue to strengthen our historical relationship with the civilian population. They are part of a humane approach to our engagement with the people,” Brig Gen Karemire said.
He added that such engagements provide space for positive interaction between civilians and the military outside formal security settings, helping to build trust and mutual understanding.
Beyond sports, the UPDF has undertaken several community outreach initiatives in Kigezi, including construction and community support projects, youth ideological training, and engagements with religious leaders and veterans as part of the wider Tarehe Sita programme.
The activities underscore the UPDF’s commitment to national development, community welfare and people-centred service, while boosting public participation in the annual celebrations.
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