The Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU) has called for greater efforts to strengthen Uganda’s economic independence by protecting public resources, fighting corruption and promoting self-reliance.
In an Independence Day message, PLU General Secretary Twalla Fadil said political freedom achieved at independence should be complemented by economic sovereignty that enables the country to finance its development and meet the needs of its citizens.
Fadil, who is also the MP for Tingey County in Kapchorwa District, said Uganda’s independence should not only be understood as freedom from foreign rule but also as the ability to feed its people, finance development and protect its resources.
“Independence is no longer only the absence of foreign rule; it must also mean economic sovereignty,” he said.
He said economic independence requires deliberate efforts to protect public resources, enforce the law and address corruption, which he described as a major obstacle to the delivery of public services.
According to Fadil, resources lost through corruption could otherwise support key sectors such as education, healthcare, roads, agriculture and national security.
He said combating corruption should therefore remain central to efforts aimed at strengthening social cohesion, public confidence and sustainable economic development.
As Uganda marked 64 years of independence, Fadil said PLU remained committed to what he described as a free, stable and economically self-reliant Uganda.
He also congratulated President Yoweri Museveni, Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba and Ugandans on the Independence anniversary.
Fadil commended the leadership of the President, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the resilience of Ugandans, saying the anniversary should renew the country’s commitment to protecting the gains of independence and translating them into improved livelihoods.
“May this Independence Day renew our shared resolve to defend the gains of freedom and to translate them into prosperity for every citizen,” he said.
