KAMPALA, Uganda — Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, Head of the Office of the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement has credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni with giving Uganda’s independence a foundation of peace, security and stability, saying political independence alone was not enough to guarantee freedom and development.
The remarks were made by Namyalo as Uganda prepares to celebrate its 64th Independence Anniversary on October 9, 2026.
Namyalo said Uganda attained political independence from Britain on October 9, 1962, but the country subsequently experienced political crises, military coups, dictatorship and prolonged armed conflicts.
“Independence did not immediately give Ugandans peace, security and stability,” Namyalo said, arguing that the challenges that followed independence created the conditions for the NRM liberation struggle.
She said the NRM, under Museveni, inherited a country that had been deeply affected by years of political turmoil and conflict when it came to power in 1986.
According to Namyalo, Museveni’s vision was not simply to take power but to restore peace and security, rebuild institutions and create conditions under which Ugandans could meaningfully enjoy the independence attained in 1962.
“That is why we say that 1962 gave Uganda political independence, but the NRM under President Museveni gave that independence a stronger foundation of peace, stability and national reconstruction,” she said.
Namyalo said peace and security were essential for citizens to enjoy their freedoms and for development to take place.
“Without peace, independence becomes only a word. Without security, freedom cannot be enjoyed. Without stability, development cannot be sustained,” she said.
She urged Ugandans to reflect on the country’s history as they celebrate Independence Day, saying political disagreements should not undermine national stability.
“We may disagree politically, but we must not forget where Uganda came from,” she said.
Namyalo also called for the protection of Uganda’s natural resources, particularly oil, saying the country’s wealth should benefit all Ugandans.
She urged leaders and citizens to exercise wisdom and responsibility in managing the country’s future, warning against actions that could reverse the gains made over the years.
“As we move forward, let us protect the gains we have made and ensure that Uganda’s natural resources, including oil, become a blessing to all Ugandans,” she said.
She called on Ugandans to celebrate the anniversary with “a clear mind, peaceful thoughts and stability,” saying the country’s independence should be measured not only by political freedom but also by peace, security and national transformation.
