9 October, 1962, the Republic of Uganda was declared an independent country, liberating herself from the British rule. Therefore, every year’s October 9 hitting the calendar, Ugandans across the globe are seen celebrating the day, and it gets massive within the Pearl of Africa.
The black, yellow and red dressed citizens of Uganda have been seen walking around the streets of Kampala, the capital city, heading to the grounds where the celebration was organized to stage.
The celebration was conducted at Bushenyi Ishaka grounds in Bushenyi District.
The President of Uganda, Yoweri Kaguta Museveni attended the celebration in person where he also honored His Highness Prince Karim Aga Khan IV, the ‘Most Excellent Order of Pearl of Africa, The Grandmaster’ with a medal.
According to the President, the medal he put around Aga Khan’s neck is to recognize the great investment he has contributed to the economic growth of the country.
Aga Khan is known as the spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims. He arrived in the country on Sunday, a day ahead of the celebrations.
Among Aga Khan’s investments in Uganda are; Education, health, energy, hotels, tourism and media among others.
Talking about Uganda’s Independence, let’s take a moment to remember a list of Uganda’s Presidents since independence:
1. Sir Frederick Edward Muteesa II (9 October, 1963 – 2 March, 1966)
2. Apollo Milton Obote (15 April, 1966 – 25 January, 1971)
3. Idi Amin Dada (2 February, 1971 – 11 April, 1979)
4. Yusuf Kironde Lule (13 April, 1979 – 20 June, 1979)
5. Lukongwa Godfrey Binaisa (20 June, 1979 – 12 May, 1980)
6. Paulo Muwanga (12 May, 1980 – 22 May, 1980)
7. Apollo Milton Obote (17 December, 1980 – 27 July, 1985)
8. Tito Okello Lutwa (29 July, 1985 – 26 January, 1986)
9. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni (26 January, 1986 – to date)
Some facts about the Pearl of Africa;
1. Uganda was named the Pearl of Africa by Sir Winston Churchill, when he visited the country which was then still under the British rule.
2. Uganda’s official motto is ‘For God and My Country’
3. The country’s flag has three colors which are; black, yellow and red.
4. The most popular languages in Uganda are: English (Official), Swahili, Luganda and various Bantu and Nilotic Languages
5. Uganda’s main exports are tourism, coffee, fish, tea, tobacco, cotton, corn, beans, Sesame and related fish products
6. Uganda is home of the tallest Mountain Range in Africa – The Rwenzori Mountains also referred to as the Mountains of the Moon.
Reporter: Shamilah Namuddu
