Amanze Chinonye
Uganda will hold its 64th Independence Day celebrations virtually from State House in Entebbe on Friday, with only about 30 dignitaries and a limited number of religious leaders expected to attend in person, the government said.
The decision was approved by Cabinet at a meeting on Oct. 5 and announced on Tuesday by Minister of ICT and National Guidance Justine Kasule Lumumba. This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme, “Embracing Our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership.”
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The move marks a departure from Uganda’s traditional large-scale Independence Day ceremonies, which typically feature military parades, cultural performances and other public events. Uganda gained independence from Britain on Oct. 9, 1962.
Lumumba said previous Independence Day celebrations had cost the government at least 3 billion Ugandan shillings ($810,000). She said the scaled-down format would not require additional expenditure, with meals and other costs for those attending at State House covered under the existing State House budget.
The government has linked the anniversary to its longer-term development agenda, including Vision 2040 and the National Development Plan IV, which seek to accelerate economic transformation and improve living standards.
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The Cabinet decision comes amid conflicting information over the venue. The Uganda Media Centre’s events calendar still lists the Oct. 9 ceremony at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, with a national parade, cultural performances and a presidential address.
The more recent Cabinet announcement indicates that the State House event is the revised arrangement.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has ruled Uganda since 1986, is expected to preside over the proceedings.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
