Uganda marks 62 years of independence amidst public sentiments

KAMPALA, Uganda

Uganda celebrated 62 years of independence Wednesday from British colonial rule.

Celebrations in the Busia district in eastern Uganda was attended by the President of the Central African Republic Faustin-Archange Touadera, and others.

President Yoweri Museveni said Uganda is on track to advance in many fields.

“At Uganda’s independence, our economy was a typical colonial one, characterized by being an enclave of three Cs -- coffee, cotton and copper --and three Ts: tobacco, tea and tourism,” he said.

“We have entered the knowledge economy, focusing on automobiles, vaccines, pharmaceuticals and computer assembling and manufacturing. Uganda now produces cars under the brand Kiira Motors, named after the River Nile,” he said. “With our petroleum resources, we are going to fund all construction of the railways. The importance of the railway is to lower transport costs making it easy for businesses to make profits.

The latest census data show 67% of Ugandans are in the money economy, while 33% are still outside of it," he said.

Ugandans told Anadolu that although independence was a beacon of hope, there have been disappointments as the country continues to grapple with profound challenges, including high levels of unemployment, economic stagnation, rampant corruption and political repression.

Kampala businesswoman Nalumansi Shamim said economic independence is the greatest form of independence, which until now remains elusive. She said the high tax regime coupled with the absence of accountability and transparency has eroded public trust, leaving many to question the impetus of independence.

“The onus lies in the hands of the very people who are holding leadership positions of our country, they should awaken the spirit of true independence, one that uplifts all citizens and fosters a nation where everyone can thrive,” she said.

MP for Kira municipality Ssemujju Nganda said the independence beacon has given way to the reality of a regime that has been in power for 38 years, which has given way to stagnation and decline of public institutions, including hospitals and schools, which have crumbled under the weight of mismanagement and neglect.

Hassan Kunguvu, a councillor in Wakiso district, told Anadolu that the path to true independence is not just a matter of cutting ties with former colonizers but reclaiming sovereignty in all aspects of life, including the freedom to express oneself and to participate in the democratic process.

He said the regime has severely curtailed fundamental freedoms of free expression and there is a growing realization that political freedom alone is not enough.​​​​​​​