President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon Ugandans to uphold peace, unity, and reconciliation as the foundation of national progress, during his Independence Day address at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds this Thursday.
In his speech, the President warmly welcomed back Col. Samson Mande, a former UPDF officer who had spent years in exile, praising his early contribution to Uganda’s liberation struggle and commending him for choosing peace over rebellion.
“I remember Samson Mande in 1979 operating as a volunteer scout for the Task Force Division of the TPDF under Major-General Silas Mayunga in Mbarara,” Museveni said. “Later, Mande did a good job as commander of the 15th Battalion in the Siege of Masaka in 1985 and in subsequent assignments. We welcome him.”
Museveni revealed that Mande had fled into exile due to internal misunderstandings but later reconsidered his position after being approached by NRM cadres in Sweden.
“When our cadres contacted him in Sweden, he happily agreed to come back and disconnect himself from rebel activities,” the President announced, drawing applause from the crowd.
Peace as the Engine of Development
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The President credited Uganda’s stability and development to the prevailing peace ensured by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the NRM’s long-standing policy of forgiveness and reconciliation.
“All that is happening in Uganda today is because of the peace that is available,” Museveni said. “This peace is lubricated by the NRM’s policy of reconciliation and our firm stand against crime.”
He saluted the UPDF and all peace-loving Ugandans for preserving the country’s security and unity, noting that Uganda’s achievements in infrastructure, education, and the economy are all built upon the foundation of peace.
Acknowledging NRM Achievements
In an uncharacteristically light moment, President Museveni joked about the local media’s recent coverage of NRM successes.
“The newspapers — The New Vision, even The Daily Monitor — have shocked themselves and published the achievements of NRM,” he said, sparking laughter from the audience.
A Message of Gratitude and Hope
As Uganda marked 63 years of Independence, President Museveni urged citizens to remain patriotic, work hard, and protect the gains achieved under the NRM government.
“Let us all renew our commitment to peace, unity, and national development,” he said. “Together, we shall continue to build a Uganda that works for all — a nation rooted in freedom, stability, and prosperity.”
The colorful Independence celebrations at Kololo Airstrip were attended by thousands of Ugandans, dignitaries, and foreign guests, featuring military parades, cultural performances, and patriotic displays under the theme “Sustaining Peace and Unity for National Transformation.”
