Uganda: Celebrating the Sounds of Freedom and Resilience
The Land of Resilience and Independence, by Davis Owomugisha.
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As Uganda celebrates its 62nd Independence Day, we find ourselves in deep reflection. What does it mean to be free? How far have we come as a nation? Today, we take a walk through history, laugh at ourselves, celebrate, and find meaning in a day that echoes with the sounds of struggle, unity, and resilience. I am Owomugisha Davis, a creative writer, and I invite you to a journey that’ll leave you with a smile, a tear, and hopefully, a renewed love for this Pearl of Africa.
The Journey to Independence
October 9, 1962—this is the date that marks the end of colonial rule and the beginning of Uganda's sovereignty. We were finally "free" from British rule, yet this freedom didn’t come as swiftly as a change in a calendar date. It was like trying to unscrew a stubborn bolt. The colonial masters had settled comfortably on Ugandan soil, building railways, tea plantations, and a firm grip on our resources.
The people, however, were stirring with something else—a desire to take back what was rightfully theirs. Our freedom fighters rose, one by one, armed with nothing but courage and a dream for self-governance. In every town, whispers of independence became louder. For decades, these whispers carried the hope that one day, Uganda would belong to Ugandans.
The Day the Flag Rose
The sun rose on October 9, 1962, in a way it hadn’t before. It wasn’t just another day; it was a day of liberation. Crowds gathered at Kololo, waving tiny flags with nervous excitement. Some wore suits, others kanzus, and many had no idea what exactly would happen, but they felt something special was in the air.
At midnight, the Union Jack, which had flown over Uganda for 68 years, was lowered. The Ugandan flag, with its bold black, yellow, and red stripes, was raised to the sky, and with it, the promise of a new beginning. The nation cheered as if they’d just scored a winning goal in extra time at Namboole.
What Does Independence Really Mean?
But what did independence mean back then? Was it just a flag change? A new anthem? Not really. It meant we could finally be responsible for our future. Uganda, a country of kingdoms and diverse cultures, could now determine its own fate. The challenges were many—poverty, illiteracy, disease—but the sense of hope was undeniable.
Freedom also came with the heavy task of unity. We are a nation of Baganda, Bakiga, Banyankole, Basoga, and so many other tribes. Imagine trying to herd cats that all speak different languages and like different kinds of food. It wasn’t easy. Our leaders at the time—men like Milton Obote and Kabaka Mutesa—had the daunting task of guiding a newly-born country towards nationhood.
As much as independence was serious business, Uganda, being what it is, had its moments of humor. After all, we’re a people who laugh at our challenges, even when things are tough. There’s that old joke that goes, "Uganda’s road to independence was so bumpy, it would have been quicker on foot." The potholes in our roads were nothing compared to the potholes in our politics, but still, we trudged on.
There’s another favorite of mine: "If Uganda was a dish, it would be matoke, always in need of salt but filling enough to keep you going." This light-heartedness is part of our DNA. We make fun of our struggles, our leaders, and even our history because, at the end of the day, laughter is what keeps us from falling apart.
The Sounds of Independence
Independence Day is more than just a date on the calendar; it’s the sounds that echo in our streets. The drumming from the villages, the trumpeting of schools marching in town, and the laughter of children enjoying the public holiday. These sounds remind us of where we’ve come from and, more importantly, where we’re going.
But it’s not just about the celebrations. The sounds also come from our hospitals, where health workers continue the fight against diseases. From our schools, where teachers inspire the next generation. From our farmers, tilling the land to feed the nation. And even from the boda boda riders, dodging traffic and potholes alike, keeping Uganda moving.
Where Do We Go from Here?
So, where does Uganda go from here? As we celebrate our independence, we also recognize that freedom is an ongoing process. We are still fighting for better governance, improved healthcare, and access to quality education. The journey is far from over. But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Ugandans are resilient.
We’ve faced coups, economic turmoil, and political instability, but we’ve never given up. We’ve always found a way to keep moving forward, sometimes slowly, sometimes quickly, but always forward. We might disagree on many things—our politics, our football teams, or even how to cook the perfect rolex—but when it comes to building our nation, we stand together.
As we celebrate another year of independence, let’s remember that we are the architects of this nation’s future. Independence wasn’t just handed to us on a silver platter; it was earned through sweat and sacrifice. Let’s honor that legacy by continuing to work for a better Uganda, one where every citizen—no matter their tribe, religion, or background—has a place and a voice.
Let’s laugh at our mistakes, learn from them, and, above all, never stop dreaming of a greater Uganda. Because at the end of the day, we are all bound by that same dream—to see Uganda thrive in every way possible.
So, as the sun sets on another Independence Day, may the sounds of celebration, hope, and unity continue to echo through the hills, valleys, and plains of this beautiful land. May we never forget the significance of this day, not just for what it represents, but for what it calls us to do.
Long live Uganda. Long live independence!
Davis Owomugisha,
Social Justice activist,Creative writer
Kampala Uganda.
