Museveni hails heroes as Uganda marks 40 years of liberation

26 January 2026, 9:14 pm

By Ronald Ssemagonja

On 26 February 1986, the then National Resistance Army (NRA), led by General Yoweri Museveni, captured power after defeating government forces under the leadership of Tito Okello Lutwa. It is against this background that the day is commemorated annually across the country as Liberation Day.

This year’s celebrations were held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where religious, cultural and political leaders, alongside members of the general public, gathered to mark the 40th anniversary of Uganda’s liberation. President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), was the chief guest.

In his address, President Museveni paid tribute to the heroes who endured immense suffering to secure victory and restore stability to the country. He later presided over a military parade and encouraged Ugandans to actively participate in the money economy through four key sectors: agriculture, information and communications technology (ICT), services and manufacturing.

“Since 1986, Uganda has gone through five phases of economic recovery, starting with the restoration of stability, followed by diversification and value addition. Today, we are firmly in the knowledge economy, with growth anchored in agriculture, manufacturing, services and the emerging oil and gas sector,” Museveni said.

He noted that manufacturing now supplies about 65 per cent of goods in Ugandan supermarkets, while agriculture and services continue to generate wealth. He also highlighted milestones such as Kiira vehicles already on the roads and the commencement of oil production near Lake Albert later this year.

Commenting on the recent elections, the President said that although he received eight million votes, many of his supporters did not turn up due to intimidation, violence and internal indiscipline. He emphasised the need to address these challenges in order to improve participation, maintain stability and ensure that all Ugandans are fully involved in the country’s transformation.

Dignitaries who attended the event commended the UPDF for maintaining peace and security in the country and urged leaders of the armed forces to address challenges affecting soldiers, including welfare concerns, in order to prevent frustration within the ranks.

The Minister of State for Lands and Urban Development, Hon. Sam Mayanja, said that since 1986, Ugandans have enjoyed peace and called upon citizens to preserve it by avoiding acts that undermine stability. On the issue of land grabbing, the minister pledged that the government would intensify the fight against the vice during this term and assured the public of tangible change.

Medal recipients also expressed gratitude to the government for recognising and honouring their contribution to Uganda’s liberation.