The Manager of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has called on Ugandans to protect the country’s peace and stability as Uganda prepares to mark 64 years of independence.
Addressing the media on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, Namyalo said political independence can only be meaningful when citizens are able to live in peace, enjoy their freedoms and participate in the development of their country.
Uganda attained independence from Britain on October 9, 1962. Namyalo said that while this was a major milestone in the country’s history, the years that followed showed that political independence alone did not guarantee lasting peace and stability.
“Uganda attained political independence on 9th October 1962. But the painful reality is that independence did not immediately give Ugandans peace, military security and stability,” Namyalo said.
She reflected on Uganda’s post-independence history, including periods of political instability, military coups and armed conflict, and urged Ugandans to learn from the past as they work towards a peaceful future.
Namyalo said the National Resistance Movement’s rise to power in 1986 came at a time when Uganda had experienced years of political instability and conflict.
According to Namyalo, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s government focused on restoring peace and security, rebuilding state institutions and creating an environment for national development.
“When President Museveni assumed leadership in 1986, he inherited a country deeply damaged by years of conflict and political turmoil,” she said.
Namyalo argued that the peace and stability achieved in the years that followed provided a stronger foundation for Ugandans to enjoy the political independence attained in 1962.
She stressed that peace should never be taken for granted, saying security and stability are important for protecting individual freedoms and supporting long-term development.
“Without peace, independence becomes only a word. Without security, freedom cannot be enjoyed. Without stability, development cannot be sustained,” she said.
Namyalo also called on Ugandans to exercise their political freedoms responsibly and avoid allowing political disagreements to undermine national unity.
She said citizens should be able to participate in politics, debate national issues and hold different opinions while respecting the peace and stability of the country.
“We may disagree politically, but we must not forget where Uganda came from,” Namyalo said.
She encouraged Ugandans to use the Independence Day celebrations as an opportunity to reflect on the country’s history and the responsibility every citizen has in maintaining peace.
Namyalo also addressed the management of Uganda’s natural resources, particularly oil, calling for responsible use of the country’s resource wealth.
“The discovery of our treasure, oil in Uganda, has to benefit us all,” she said.
She urged leaders and institutions responsible for managing the country’s resources to ensure that the benefits contribute to improving the lives of Ugandans and supporting national development.
Namyalo further called for responsible and humble leadership, saying those entrusted with public responsibilities should understand the importance of serving the interests of citizens.
“The Uganda of tomorrow requires wisdom, humility and leaders who understand the weight of the responsibility entrusted to them,” she said.
As Uganda prepares to celebrate its 64th Independence Anniversary on October 9, Namyalo encouraged citizens to mark the occasion peacefully and reflect on the progress made since independence.
She urged Ugandans to protect the country’s achievements while continuing to address challenges affecting communities and households.
“Let us celebrate independence with a clear mind, peaceful thoughts and stability that have enabled our independence to become meaningful,” she said.
Namyalo concluded by calling for unity, responsible leadership and careful management of Uganda’s natural resources so that the country’s development benefits present and future generations.
