President Museveni leads Uganda’s 63rd independence celebrations at Kololo

9 October 2025, 6:56 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, today presided over the 63rd Independence Day celebrations held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala. The event, held under the theme “63 years of independence: a reason to double our efforts in sustaining a united and progressive Nation”, drew thousands of Ugandans and dignitaries from across the world.

President Museveni was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Hon. Janet Kataaha Museveni, and served as the chief guest at the ceremony. Among the notable attendees were Kenya’s Deputy President H.E. Kithure Kindiki, Uganda’s Vice President Jesca Alupo, NRM First National Vice Chairperson Hajji Moses Kigongo, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Anita Among, Deputy Prime Ministers, and delegates from Russia, the United Arab Emirates, India, among others.

During the ceremony, 23 Ugandans were awarded medals in recognition of their distinguished service to the nation, 8 of whom were women.

In his address, President Museveni reflected on Uganda’s journey since independence, emphasizing the achievements under the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.
“Uganda is one of the fastest-growing countries and is unstoppable,” he said.

He further recalled how, during British colonial rule, the country’s oil resources were almost taken, but the NRM government later discovered the deposits that had previously been dismissed.

In a moving moment, Samson Mande, a former army officer who had lived in exile for years, thanked the government for welcoming him back.
“My brothers and sisters of the Uganda People’s Defence Force, my commander, I am back home. I am a founder member of NRM. The Bible says in 1 Corinthians 13:11, ‘When I was a child, I reasoned like a child… but when I became a man, I put childish ways behind me.’ Uganda is my home. Thank you for welcoming me back,” Mande said.

Since gaining independence on October 9, 1962, Uganda has had nine presidents — Sir Edward Muteesa II, Dr. Apollo Milton Obote (1966–1971, 1980–1985), Idi Amin (1971–1979), Yusuf Kironde Lule (April–June 1979), Godfrey Lukongwa Binaisa (1979–1980), Paul Muwanga (May 1980), Tito Okello Lutwa (1985–1986), and the incumbent Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power since 1986.

Meanwhile, several citizens shared their views on the day’s celebrations. Some suggested that the government should use such occasions to grant amnesty to political prisoners.

Rogers Mukwaya, an aspiring councillor, expressed dissatisfaction with the organization of the event.
“I’m unhappy. I thought I would enter with my red beret, but I was stopped — yet today is our independence. I also saw youths complaining about food, meaning it wasn’t enough. I think they hoped to carry some home,” he said.

Uganda’s 63rd Independence anniversary thus marked not only a reflection on the nation’s history and achievements but also ongoing calls for inclusivity and improved national celebrations.