5 Days To Go

9th October is Ugandan Independence Day

Uganda gained its independence from Britain in 1962 and the 9th October is celebrated as independence day every year.

After independence the first elections were held and an executive PM- Milton Obote, was appointed with the King- Edward Muteesa II, holding the ceremonial position of president.

A power struggle followed in 1966 between the government and the King, and parliament changed the constitution, removing the role of ceremonial president. In 1967 the new constitution proclaimed Uganda a republic and Obote was declared the executive president

In 1971 Obote was deposed and Idi Amin seized control. Amin ruled Uganda for the next 8 years and committed mass killings to stay in charge. An estimated 300,000 Ugandans lost their lives during this time.

Amin’s reign was ended after a war with Tanzania in 1979 in which the Tanzanian forces invaded Uganda. Obote returned to power and was deposed again in 1985 by General Okello. He lasted just 6 months until he was deposed!

The bush war by the National Resistance Army both ended Okello’s reign and brought in the leadership of Yoweri Museveni who was the leader of the NRA

Yoweri Museveni has been in power since 1986 and continues to this day as President. He has led Uganda in several conflicts including most recently against The Lord’s Resistance Army who have now been driven out of Uganda.

Under Museveni’s leadership Uganda has been a relatively safe and stable place to live and Uganda has taken leadership on the African Continent.

So they have plenty to celebrate today!

NW