President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended Ugandans and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for their unwavering commitment to peace and stability, emphasizing that the nation’s progress rests on the solid foundation of security.
Speaking at the 63rd Independence Day celebrations held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, President Museveni underscored that Uganda’s achievements in development and transformation are primarily the result of the peace maintained across the country.
The national event attracted an array of distinguished guests, including the Deputy President of Kenya, ambassadors, government officials, religious leaders, and cultural leaders, all gathered to celebrate Uganda’s enduring journey of peace and growth.
“I need to salute the peace-loving Ugandans and the UPDF for ensuring peace in Uganda. All that is happening is, first and foremost, on account of the peace that is available. This peace is lubricated by the long-standing NRM policy of reconciliation and forgiveness, on top of our firm stand against crime,” President Museveni said.
He noted that the National Resistance Movement’s (NRM) policy of forgiveness and reconciliation has been a crucial element in healing past divisions, rebuilding trust, and strengthening the unity that binds the nation.
In a symbolic gesture of peace and unity, the President officially welcomed his former comrade, Col. Samson Mande, who has returned to Uganda after years in exile.
President Museveni praised Col. Mande’s decision to come back home, describing it as a reflection of Uganda’s enduring spirit of reconciliation and its open-door approach toward all citizens willing to contribute to peace.
“Even today, I am happy to welcome back into peaceful Uganda, Col. Samson Mande, who had fled into exile on account of, apparently, some internal intrigue,” he said.
“While in exile, he tried to engage in some rebel activities. When, however, our cadres contacted him in Sweden, he happily agreed to come back and disconnect himself from the rebel activities.”
The President fondly recalled Col. Mande’s early involvement in Uganda’s liberation struggle, commending his bravery and service.
“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. I was commanding the 9,000-strong Fronasa fighting force. 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,” he said.
Reflecting on Uganda’s six-decade journey since independence, President Museveni drew attention to the country’s turbulent early years.
He explained that by the 10th Independence Anniversary, Uganda had already fallen under “envious dictatorship,” and by the 20th anniversary, the economy—once dependent on coffee, cotton, copper, tobacco, tea, and tourism—had completely disintegrated.
During those years, he said, Ugandans survived on black-market trading and forex rackets until the NRM government came to power and restored order.
“I am happy to inform Ugandans that by June 2026, the economy of Uganda will have grown to USD 66.9 billion in size using the forex exchange method, or USD 197.9 billion using the purchasing power parity method,” the President announced.
“In this financial year, the economy will grow by seven percent, and after the flow of oil, it will grow by double digits.”
He declared that Uganda’s rapid industrialization and expanding local production base have set the country on an irreversible path to prosperity.
“No one will stand in our way to development,” he asserted.
President Museveni highlighted that Uganda has passed through five key phases of transformation — starting from minimum recovery, moving to expansion, diversification, value addition, and now entering the era of technological advancement.
He pointed to projects like Kiira Motors as symbols of Uganda’s growing industrial and technological potential.
The President stressed the need to consolidate gains by prioritizing both economic and political integration within the East African Community (EAC).
“What we need to work on now are two issues — economic integration of East Africa to ensure a big market, and political integration of East Africa resulting in a political federation of our region and the whole of Africa,” he said.
“The remaining part is to engage with our brothers and sisters from Tanzania, Rwanda, Kenya, South Sudan, Burundi, Congo, and Somalia to strengthen our market.”
He urged Ugandans to remain steadfast in safeguarding peace, unity, and reconciliation, emphasizing that these values are the true engines of national development.
In his brief remarks, Col. Samson Mande expressed his gratitude to President Museveni and the government for welcoming him back home.
He pledged to work with the government to promote peace, reconciliation, and unity, reinforcing the spirit of national togetherness celebrated on Uganda’s Independence Day.
