President Jakaya Kikwete has warned that anyone who will breach the country’s peace and violate its territorial integrity is going to be dealt with squarely by the defence forces.
“Our army (TPDF) is ready to defend the country’s borders at any time and under any circumstances,” the president, who is the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces, declared.
Mr Kikwete sent out the stern message when addressing the nation from the Kaboya Military Barracks in Muleba District, Kagera Region, during the commemorations of the Heroes’ Day.
In marking the day, the president also visited graves of fallen heroes who fought to liberate the country, after forces of aggression of the then Ugandan dictator, Idi Amin invaded Tanzania and annexed some parts of Kagera Region in 1978/79.
The aggressive forces were taught a lesson and driven out. Idi Amin, who was then selfstyled as Uganda’s president for life, fled into exile. “You should just sleep soundly at night. Don’t worry and do not listen to rumourmongers on the streets… our armed forces are strong and ready to protect and defend the country.
“All those who will try to invade or violate territorial integrity of our country will get what they deserve. Our country is safe and the army will defend our nation.
“Our main message today is that we are ready at any time to defend our motherland… and all her borders. We don’t have another country. “As such we cannot allow anyone to touch the country or annex any piece of the country.
As we dealt with Amin (Idi), we shall deal with any other aggressor …,” he said. President Kikwete also observed that maintaining peace is a very costly affair. “One of the costs of maintaining peace is the graves that we are witnessing here today. These people are our heroes.. they died in action during the war with Idi Amin. “They made ultimate sacrifice.
We will continue to remember them for what they have given to our nation .. the sacrifice they made to protect our borders ..to maintain the country’s peace and security,” he said. A total of 619 fallen heroes were buried at the Kaboya Cemetery. He noted that his administration with advise from TPDF is looking into better ways of serving the veterans of the war who were injured in the line of fire.
“I have been told that there are complaints about the way the veterans are cared for… that they do not receive good care. We are in consultation with the army on how to provide better care for them. “These are our heroes, they are people who put their lives on the line to protect our freedom.
We will forever be thankful and remember them and that is why today is of great importance to our country,” he noted.
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