Kampala, Uganda — As Uganda prepares to mark its 63rd Independence Day, the family of former President Dr. Apollo Milton Obote has announced a memorial service in his honor.

The service will take place on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Akokoro in Apac District, to celebrate the life and legacy of Uganda’s founding leader who received the instruments of Independence in 1962.

The announcement was made by UPC spokesperson, Arach Oyat Sharon, during the party’s weekly press briefing at Uganda House in Kampala.

Uganda will celebrate its Independence Day on Thursday, October 9, 2025, under the theme: “63 Years of Independence: A Reason to Double Our Efforts in Sustaining a United and Great Nation.”

Arach said the theme serves as a reminder for Ugandans to look ahead and strengthen national unity and development. She also highlighted several challenges the country continues to face, including land conflicts and economic inequality, which she said threaten social stability.

She noted that land disputes, particularly in Northern Uganda and the Acholi sub-region have worsened due to clashes between residents and cattle herders, known locally as “Balalo”.

The UPC spokesperson also criticized the privatization policies of the 1990s, saying they weakened key national institutions such as the Uganda Commercial Bank, Coffee Marketing Board, and Cooperative Unions, leaving fewer Ugandans in control of the economy.

Arach further expressed concern over the party’s exclusion from presidential elections in 2016 and 2026, which she described as a setback to Uganda’s democratic ideals and the spirit of Independence.

She added that real progress can only be achieved when citizens experience better living conditions and social welfare, rather than intimidation of workers like teachers who advocate for their rights.

The UPC continues to honor the legacy of Dr. Obote, who led Uganda to independence in 1962 and served as the country’s first Prime Minister and later President.