Uganda and friends of the country are celebrating 62 years of self rule after gaining independence from Britain in 1962.
The East African country has witnessed a population growth by 500% from 8,068,828 people in 1962 to a current 50,015,092 people in 2024.
Independence celebrations are being conducted across the country under the theme; “Independence Day: A Recommitment to Secure and Fortify our Destiny”.
On October 9, 1962, the Duke of Kent, handed over Instruments of Power for our Independence to Dr. Milton Obote on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom of Great Britain.
Thousands of Ugandans converged at Kololo Independence Grounds at midnight of the 9th of October, 1962.
These were part of the historic moment to witness the lowering of the British Union Jack and maiden hoisting of the Black, Yellow, Red Flag of the independent Uganda.
Prior to granting Uganda independence, the period from 1940 to 1954 marked an era of political re-awakening for self-rule in the Country.
This process started when the Colonialist were pressurized by the indigenous people to allow the three prominent Ugandans to join the Legislative Council in 1945 and these included; Mr. Michael Earnest Kawalya Kaggwa (Katikiro of Buganda Kingdom), Mr. Petero Nyangabyaki (Omuhikirwa of Bunyoro Kingdom) and Mr. Yekonia Zirabamuzaale (Secretary General of Busoga Kingdom).
Besides, the struggle led by the late Ignatius Musaazi; late Kivu, late James Miti and the late Semakula Mulumba started around the same time.
Other than these initial efforts, some other Ugandans had started a local movement called the Batakabbu in the late 1940s whose objective was to fight against suppression of rights of the indigenous communities by Colonialists.
These agitated to be allowed to process Cotton and Coffee as well as access loans from the first Savings and Credit Bank which was then a preserve of Europeans and Asian Traders.
These early efforts eventually led to the formation of Uganda National Congress (UNC) in 1952 which was later followed by the Democratic Party in 1954.
Motions demanding independence were also being moved from time to time by Y.S. Bamutta of UNC from Masaka; Dr. B.N. Kununka, Milton Obote, George Magezi, Cuthbert Obwangor, William Rwetsiba, Balaki Kirya, Joyce Mpanga and others.
These were the main speakers in the Uganda Legislative Council (LEGCO) on the motions demanding independence.
The other notable persons who contributed towards attainment of Independence included: late Ruande, Yekosofat Engur and Apollo Kironde among others.
The late Ruande was leading the Labour Union in Uganda which also had network with Labour Union in Kenya which was led by late Tom Mboya.
Their effort had earlier led to the formation of the Uganda National Congress which was led by the late Ignatius Kangave Musaazi and late Abukar Mayanja as the Secretary General followed by the Democratic Party.
In 1955, after the return of the Kabaka of Buganda from exile, the 1955 Namirembe Agreement was promulgated where among the many issues, Uganda would become Independent after six years.
This finally led to the expansion of LEGCO in 1958 to sixty Members which set pace for self-governance in March 1961 led by late Ben Kiwanuka and eventually the interim government that led to the elections of April, 1962.
This watershed moment has been and continues to be the central point of our national unity; political and socio-economic direction.
The peaceful gaining of Independence from British Colonial rule notwithstanding; Uganda’s immediate post-Independence political history was characterised by putsches, dictatorship, contested electoral outcomes and civil wars.
There were eight changes of government within a period of twenty-four years (from 1962-1986), five of which were violent and unconstitutional.
