The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
President reveals plans to construct an international airport in Mbarara
Kabale, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | President Yoweri Museveni has commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and other security agencies for providing robust security that neutralised troublemakers during the recently concluded general elections.
Museveni made the remarks on Friday while presiding as the chief guest at the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations held in Kabale District. The event was held under the theme: “Defending the Gains of the Revolution and Honouring the Sacrifices of the Freedom Fighters: A Call for National Unity, Peace and Socioeconomic Transformation.”
Museveni, who was declared the winner of the election with more than 70 per cent of the vote, observed that certain groups had been planning “very bad things” against the country during the election period, but noted that their plans were foiled due to the alertness of the UPDF and other security agencies.
He added that Uganda’s security system is robust and capable of dealing decisively with any threats to peace and stability. Museveni also congratulated Ugandans, and the people of Kigezi in particular, for what he described as massive support for the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Earlier, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Keinerugaba, said security agencies had received credible intelligence indicating that misguided political actors intended to instigate violence during the elections. However, he said the threats were swiftly contained and overcome, adding that due to the vigilance and preparedness of the security forces, the 2026 general election was the most peaceful in Uganda’s history.
Using the same platform, Museveni told Ugandans that with peace and stability secured, the country’s focus must now shift to development. He outlined several planned infrastructure projects aimed at boosting tourism and trade, including the tarmacking of tourism roads in the Kigezi sub-region, expansion of Kisoro Airfield, and construction of a standard airport in Kabale District, noting that businessman Amos Nyezi has already offered land for the project.
The President also revealed plans to construct an international airport in Mbarara to enhance trade and position the region as a strategic midpoint between East Asia, particularly China, and South American countries such as Argentina and Brazil.
Museveni further urged residents of Kigezi to invest in commercial agriculture, including the use of fertilisers and irrigation, as well as dairy farming, fish farming, and tourism, as pathways to wealth creation and improved household incomes.
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Moses Odongo, an officer of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), has bagged Sh10 million as a cash prize for being the Most Outstanding Junior Officer at the 2025 Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Awards, an honour that crowned years of steady service and discipline.
Odongo, who is attached to the 203 Ground-Based Air Defence Regiment was announced the winner on Friday during the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations held in Kabale District.
According to Major General James Kilwana, the UPDF Joint Staff for Human Resource Management, the annual awards are intended to recognise exceptional performance among junior officers and inspire others to excel in their duties.
Lieutenant Odongo emerged top among four shortlisted officers: Captain Andrew Asio Okuth from the School of Defence and Intelligence Security, Lieutenant Shem Bagyiragye, and Major Anthony Kamoga Muwonge, after a rigorous assessment by a panel of serving and retired senior military officers. He scored an impressive 86.71 per cent.
As his name was announced, Odongo stepped forward to receive the cash award and a certificate of appreciation amid applause from fellow officers, marking a proud moment of recognition in his military career.
Born on December 17, 1987, in Abulatun Village, Ongongoja Parish in Katakwi District, Odongo joined the UPDF on October 7, 2013. His journey from rural eastern Uganda to national recognition is dotted with personal sacrifices and commitment that define many soldiers’ lives.
During the same event, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni paid tribute to freedom fighters who lost their lives in the struggle to secure peace and stability in Uganda. He recalled fallen fighters, including James Karambuzi, David Kagoro Kangyire, and Joseph Bitwari, who were killed during the regime of former president Idi Amin in 1973.
Museveni also mentioned other fighters, Karuhanga, Mulimo, Kasolo, Ntare, Nkoko, Namilundu, Labeja, and Obona, who were executed in various parts of the country, including Fort Portal, Mbarara, Kampala, Jinja, Mbale, and Gulu, underscoring the historical significance of Tarehe Sita in Uganda’s journey.
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