Happy 62nd Independence Day, Uganda!!!
Today we celebrate a special day, and as the festivities in Busia District, officiated by President Yoweri Museveni, go on, we are reminded of the journey we’ve taken since 1962.
While it’s essential to acknowledge the challenges we’ve faced, it’s equally crucial to recognize the amazing progress our nation has made.
Independence is not a political event; it is a day that represents the resilience and aspirations of every Ugandan.
Unfortunately, some voices in our society focus on the negatives, ignoring the strides we’ve achieved.
For instance, during a recent morning show, political analyst Mwambutsya Mwebesa lamented Uganda’s failures without recognizing the context.
Critiquing from a place of privilege without offering solutions is easy, but it fails to honour the complexities of governing a nation of nearly 46 million people, as opposed to the 8 million in 1962.
Since gaining independence, Uganda has implemented significant measures to overcome socio-economic challenges. The period from 1962 to 1986 was fraught with civil wars, state abuses, and sectarianism.
However, under the National Resistance Movement (NRM), we have restored stability and initiated transformative policies that have fostered growth and development.
One of the most commendable achievements has been in education. The NRM government has increased primary school enrolment to over 10.78 million pupils and expanded secondary education to accommodate even more students.
Today, Uganda is home to over 53 universities, providing vital opportunities for higher education.
While it’s important to engage in discussions about the quality versus quantity of education, the fact remains that having a majority of our population able to read and write is a significant accomplishment that cannot be overlooked.
Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy, employing about 64% of the population. The value of agricultural exports has surged to USD 2.7 billion, with an overall contribution to GDP of 24.1%, highlighting the sector’s importance.
With an annual export of over 8.5 million bags of coffee, our country is positioned to meet the growing global demand.
The technological landscape has also transformed. The government’s investment in ICT has created over 500,000 jobs and provided free Wi-Fi to over 2 million users monthly.
The launch of the eCitizen portal enables citizens to access over 106 e-services, enhancing efficiency and transparency in governance.
Health services have expanded as well, with 181 referral hospitals and a significant increase in rural health centers. Infant mortality rates have decreased to 46 per 1,000 live births, and life expectancy now averages 63-71 years, reflecting improvements in healthcare delivery.
Infrastructure development is evident across the nation. The government has constructed over 8,588 kilometres of paved roads since 1986, vastly improving connectivity and access to services. Additionally, Uganda is on the brink of completing its second international airport, which will further bolster trade and tourism.
While we celebrate our achievements, it’s important to remain vigilant and critical. Let us focus our critiques on constructive dialogue and solutions rather than divisive rhetoric. The path forward is one of collaboration and unity.
As we commemorate our independence today, let us honor our past while striving for a brighter future. Every Ugandan has a role to play in this journey. Together, we can build an Uganda that reflects the hopes and dreams of all its citizens.
Let’s embrace our independence not just as a historical event but as a continuous commitment to progress and national pride.
