Hajjat Hadija Namyalo Uzeiye, who heads the Office of the National Chairman (ONC), has urged Ugandans to protect the peace, stability and development gains made since the country attained independence in 1962.
Namyalo, who doubles as the Senior Presidential Adviser on Political Affairs, said Uganda’s political independence would have little meaning without peace, security and stability.
Addressing journalists at the Office of the National Chairman in Kyambogo, Kampala, on Tuesday, she said the country had gone through political crises, military coups, dictatorships and prolonged armed conflicts after attaining independence on October 9, 1962.
She said the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, under President Museveni, had helped restore peace and rebuild institutions following years of political turmoil.
“1962 gave Uganda political independence, but the NRM under President Museveni gave that independence a stronger foundation of peace, stability and national reconstruction,” Namyalo said.
She said peace and security had enabled Ugandans to participate in politics, debate national issues and criticise government without fear.
“Without peace, independence becomes only a word. Without security, freedom cannot be enjoyed. Without stability, development cannot be sustained,” she said.
Namyalo urged Ugandans to celebrate the 64th Independence anniversary with a focus on protecting the country’s achievements and promoting unity.
She also called for responsible management of Uganda’s natural resources, particularly oil, saying the resource should benefit all Ugandans.
“Our natural resources, including oil, must become a blessing to all Ugandans,” she said.
Namyalo said the country’s future required leaders who demonstrate wisdom, humility and a sense of responsibility.
“We may disagree politically, but we must not forget where Uganda came from,” she said.
Uganda will mark 64 years of independence on Friday, October 9.
According to a Cabinet resolution, this year’s Independence Day celebrations will be held virtually from State House, Entebbe, under the theme, “Embracing our sovereignty with hope and visionary leadership.”
Only 30 dignitaries and a few religious leaders are expected to attend the celebrations physically.
