Uganda Celebrates 61st Independence Anniversary

Since 1894, Uganda had been ruled as a British protectorate but that story changed on the fateful 9th day of October 1962. The journey to independence was no walk in the park, and the rich history of the events that led to the day of independence still lingers on through the minds of many people some of whom were lucky enough to attend the event in-person, whereas others who were born after the event continue to recapture the moments from the country’s national video archives on TV and on YouTube.

But for most it’s a day to relax and do some very “Ugandan” things like go for an all-Ugandan music concert, get a little nostalgic listening to some Philly Bongole Lutaaya, Elly Wamala or catch the Afrigo Band performing. For some, Independence Day celebrations can even look like meeting up with that old friend out of the busy schedules of work life. For others, it’s sleep day. Either way, the day is getting celebrated one way or another in Uganda and outside the country.

The republic of Uganda, may be landlocked but it’s land has unlocked the potentials of an huge number of people, given birth to stars that have shone their light all over the world and figures that have stood out of the crowd and left marks on the people of Uganda and the world. Whether you get cold shivers reading the eerie stories that underlined the reign of Idi Amin one of the country’s most brutal dictators , or enjoy to sing “The Pearl of Africa” Uganda’s national anthem composed by the talented Ugandan Musician George Wilberforce Kakoma (27 Jul. 1923-8 Apr. 2012), or even plan to get that face painting in black, yellow and red, there’s no denying that the country Uganda is greatly endowed with beautiful people, with amazing stories that make Uganda the nation that it is.

Uganda, the pearl of Africa boasts of outstanding physical features on the continent such as the largest freshwater lake, the source of the Nile (the longest river), the strongest waterfall, the largest number of primates and mountain gorillas worldwide. Moreover the scenery alone is a sight for sore eyes. Take a trip to one of the national parks in the country, or go rafting the rough course of the Nile as it twists and turns you on the journey through the serene but treacherous waters telling you a story about encountering Uganda. The beautiful features, the beautiful people and the beautiful stories are woven through the very fabric of the nation making it irresistibly an amazing location on the planet.

The independence day celebrations not only remind Ugandans in Uganda and abroad about the day the Union Jack was lowered for the “Bendera ya Uganda”  a.k.a the Uganda flag to rise and fly high but also of the day that the Uganda national anthem “The Pearl of Africa” was played by the police band conducted by Mr. Moon on the 9th of October 1962. But that’s not all, this day is chosen specially to award the heroes and heroine that led the country to independence, and post-independence heroes and heroines get rewarded in a decoration ceremony by the President of Uganda. The president inspects a parade marking the significant milestone of the country.

As the day’s celebrations are underway with many buildings, restaurants and hotels decorated with all sizes of Uganda flags and black-yellow-red balloon designs, both within the country and abroad, many have considered wearing the Ugandan jersey to an outdoor family event or for a concert, face paint kids and adults with the nation’s colors. Whatever the style of celebration, we ought to remember that at 61 years, Uganda stays true to her nature and the ever graceful crested crane keeps moving and flying toward greatness.