Mugula Daniel
Tues, 6 October 2026
KAMPALA, Uganda — As Uganda prepares to mark its 64th Independence Anniversary on October 9, 2026, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo has urged Ugandans to protect the country’s peace, security and stability, saying these are essential to fully enjoying the independence attained in 1962.
Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo
Speaking to journalists at the Office of the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Namyalo said Independence Day should not only commemorate Uganda’s political freedom from British rule, but also provide an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey through conflict, political instability and national reconstruction.
Uganda gained independence from Britain on October 9, 1962. Namyalo noted that the achievement was followed by periods of political crises, military coups, dictatorship and armed conflict, which, she said, prevented many Ugandans from fully enjoying the freedoms associated with independence.
“1962 gave Uganda political independence, but the NRM under President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni gave that independence a stronger foundation of peace, stability and national reconstruction,” Namyalo said.
Namyalo said political independence has little meaning if citizens cannot live in peace and security.
“Without peace, independence becomes only a word. Without security, freedom cannot be enjoyed. Without stability, development cannot be sustained,” she said.
She described the NRM liberation struggle, which brought President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to power in 1986, as a response to years of political turmoil and armed conflict.
According to Namyalo, the Museveni administration inherited a country deeply affected by years of instability and focused on restoring peace and security, rebuilding national institutions and creating conditions for development.
She called on Ugandans to protect the gains the country has made in peace, security and development, even amid political disagreements.
“We may disagree politically, but we must not forget where Uganda came from,” she said.
Namyalo also urged citizens to use Uganda’s political space responsibly by participating in politics, debating national issues and expressing their views peacefully.
Namyalo calls for responsible management of oil and other resources
Namyalo further called for Uganda’s natural resources, particularly petroleum, to be managed responsibly and used to benefit the wider population.
She said Uganda’s oil wealth should become a driver of national development rather than a source of conflict or division.
She also urged leaders and citizens to demonstrate wisdom, humility and responsibility as the country works to harness its economic opportunities.
Independence anniversary a time for reflection
As Uganda marks 64 years of independence, Namyalo urged citizens to reflect on the country’s journey from independence in 1962, through years of political conflict, to the current period of peace and stability.
She encouraged Ugandans to develop what she described as an “independent mind, independent thoughts and independent beliefs”, while promoting national unity and peaceful coexistence.
Namyalo also called on Ugandans to pray for the country and President Museveni, asking God to continue protecting Uganda and its people.
She concluded by wishing Ugandans a peaceful Independence Day and calling for unity in ensuring that Uganda’s economic opportunities and natural resources benefit all citizens.
“Long live Uganda, long live peace and long live the unity and togetherness of our people,” she said.
