59 years later, we are still moving forward as a country. Whether or not we are slowly moving on —from independence, or quickly towards the true realization of it, is not ours (SatisfashionUg) to say. But what’s true is that most Ugandans have a lot to say about independence day. Here is some of it.
Mercy Nakawesa
Name: Tonny Mpagi, a Software Engineer and Life Coach. Founder Motivate Uganda, Gix Investments and Vya Foundation.
What does Independence Day mean to you?
Independence Day represents freedom. It represents our countries liberation from Britain, providing Ugandans certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of total happiness.
Share your earliest memories celebrating Independence Day?
Earlier I used to celebrate Independence Day without purpose that’s to say, enjoyment of the school days, and other more. But now when one grows, they know this day stands for freedom from many life oppressions.
Are you proud to be Ugandan? Why?
Yes, I am.
There is a lot that is right about my country that we may forget exists. That includes freedom, Opportunity, Beautiful+
l scenery no wonder she is the Pearl Of Africa. I love and cherish my country!
Name: Livia Koburungi Abbooki, a Gender and Justice Lawyer/ Poet
What does Independence Day mean to you?
Independence day personally means liberation and the coming into practice of the self discovered identity. Let’s put it this way, when a child matures she becomes independent and as of 9th October 1962, Uganda became an adult of the sort to fend for it’s self. All this connoting that the days and years under colonialism, Uganda was under a self discovery journey which of course was imposed by colonialists but I prefer to look at it positively as it is a past.
Uganda today may not be number one but it’s process should eventually pay off.
Share your earliest memories celebrating Independence Day?
My earliest memory of independence day celebration doesn’t really stretch so far back because as a child, my parents were in and out of home working! And as leaders by then we always got Independence day packages from several companies, businesses and the like and definitely it would hit me that it was independence day plus we would not show up for school incase where 9th October came up during a working day.
However, my very first celebration came in 2011 while still in High school when the school was in frenzy and preparations were enormous, the guests were distinguished persons of the government and not limited to ambassadors among others. It was a great day, display of culture, recalling our history and priding in our strides to conserve and communicate the attributes of Uganda as a Nation.
Are you proud to be Ugandan? Why?
Yes I am proud to be Uganda.
If 14 year old me answered this question, it would have been a negative response. But growth has brought me a sentimental attachment to the pride land that has seen and groomed several generations before myself. And them I owe a role of a flag bearing to make the next generation comfortable.
Uganda is such an endowed Country and having the perfect heritage of having been birthed in Fort Portal- Kabarole District, which is one of the most lavished city with tourism scenery, I’ve had the chance to have first hand love for the pearl of Africa where I’ve been groomed.
So my love and patriotism for my country is founded on the belief that I have a role in making the Uganda every one will admire. Advanced countries no longer have the virgin opportunities Uganda has to offer, and instead of disliking the raw material that Uganda is, I intend to make use and sharpen Uganda at every angel whenever given the opportunity. Surely there’s a plethora pool of opportunities to advance our country but it starts with loving it.
So dear reader, I do wish to extend my gratitude for reaching 59 years as an independent Uganda.
Name: Anne Kansiime, a Comedian/ Youtuber
Share your earliest memories celebrating Independence Day?
I used to think that independence day means am free to do what I want so i would refuse to do chores and stand up to my dad and tell him how am independent.
Name: Atuk Grace, a medical doctor
What does Independence Day mean to you?
Independence Day simply means the day Uganda got independence, I think I lost touch as I grew old, the day now only benefits me if I get a holiday to not go to work.
Share your earliest memories celebrating Independence Day?
When I was still a child, We celebrated independence at Kawunda grounds in Gulu once, where they did a Parade and the President was there, they cooked food and we ate. That was my childhood vivid independence memory.
Are you proud to be Ugandan? Why?
Yes, there is no country like Uganda. We have a variety of food, Ugandans are welcoming people, talk about the natural resources, lakes, rivers, mountains so there is a lot of things to love about Uganda. The game parks, Murchision Falls, and our weather is so fairly balanced.
Name: Florence Kyohangire, a publicist
What does Independence Day mean to you?
Celebrating how far uganda has come, celebrating Ugandaness and our spirit of togetherness/solidarity, celebrating the power to make decisions that affect our country.
Share some of your earliest memories celebrating Independence day?
I think my favourite memories were at school definitely, I remember we would have the day off and some form of entertainment.
Are you proud to be Ugandan? Why?
Proud to be Ugandan but not proud of my government.
Name: Stella Olivia Kikoyo, a London-based Marketer, Life Coach and Magazine Editor
What does Independence Day mean to you?
Independence Day is a day we Ugandans and in particular my ancestors were liberated from colonialisation and I get to benefit from that effort.
Share some of your earliest memories celebrating Independence day
I just remember it being a public holiday with so many events for everyone to engage in and enjoy with some long speeches too.
Are you proud to be Ugandan? Why?
Yes I am proud to be a Ugandan. This is because I am that. I am Ugandan. I am proud of everything I am including my ancestral background and my country!
Name: Hakiim Wampamba
Profession: Journalist
What does Independence Day mean to you?
It would mean a lot for me only if the current political establishment didn’t just substitute the colonial state . I struggle to find the meaning of independence if the informal economy at 70% still finds the economy hard , when the same problem facing informal economy now are the same problems that faced informal economy then .
To me , it’s that redundant and unavoidable public holiday
Share some of your earliest memories celebrating Independence day?
There is that one independence when we ate Matooke, with no sauce but plain water . We were then in Kazo with my two brothers. We were too broke to afford a good meal .
Are you proud to be Ugandan? Why?
Apart from the general happiness of my fellow country men , and that this is the land of my great grandparents. I will forever identify as a Ugandan much as I hold less pride in my country
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