NAKASEKE – Mr John Patrick Amama Mbabazi, the former Prime Minister of Uganda, received a standing ovation from various government officials, including senior army officers, when he made an appearance at the Tarehe Sita celebrations in Nakaseke District on Thursday, February 6, 2020.
The function was already underway when Mbabazi, also a former secretary-general of the ruling NRM party, entered the venue.
The Master of Ceremonies then said: “Let us welcome our former national leader.” He was greeted by loud applause from several government officials, among them Minister for Presidency Esther Mbayo and John Mitala, the Head of Public Service and Secretary to Cabinet.
Mbabazi also momentarily chatted with the head of Operation Wealth Creation, Gen Caleb Akwandanaho alias Salim Saleh. The Chief of Defence Forces Gen David Muhoozi, Deputy IGP Muzeeyi Sabiti and Commissioner for Prisons Johnson Byabashaija also stood up and waved at Mbabazi before he took his seat.
In recent months, Mbabazi has met with President Museveni on several occasions, an indication that the two former allies are set to get back and work tether. Last month, Mbabazi met with Museveni at the latter’s country farm in Kisozi, Gomba District.
In his remarks, the President said the country is on track in terms of liberating the army.
“During the anti-Amin struggle, attempts to build a new army then started. We are now celebrating 39 years, but the efforts started earlier with the anti-Amin struggle. These 39 years are just another phase. We have succeeded in building an army for the people from the people. However, just like you leave milk uncovered and flies fall in, the UPDF must always fight against contamination,” he said.
“As we celebrate the peace brought by the UPDF, we must change our society. The ones with land must engage in food security and commercial agriculture. The others who don’t have land can be involved in factories or services like boda boda and ICT,” he added.
