VANESSA A
As Uganda celebrates National Liberation Day at Kololo Independence Grounds, marking 40 years of liberating Uganda from dictatorship under the theme “Tribute to the Patriots Who Ushered in a Fundamental Change,” leaders in Rukungiri District have paid tribute to the Patriots who ushered in a fundamental change.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with our reporter, the Rukungiri District Woman Member of Parliament–Elect, Hon. Mary Paula Turyahikayo Kebirungi, applauded the Patriots who liberated Uganda, led by the President-Elect of the Republic of Uganda, H.E. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, for bringing change to the country.
She noted several challenges that have been tackled, including restoring security in the country and promoting women emancipation, enabling women to freely engage in leadership positions to improve their well-being, among many others. She said she is hopeful about how far the country has come and believes the days ahead are brighter. However, she pointed out corruption as a major challenge that must be addressed to enable faster development and ensure justice.
The LC3 Chairperson of Nyakyishenyi Subcounty, Wednesday Twinomujuni, also highlighted how the current leadership compares to the period before liberation, saying the country was facing numerous challenges such as religious and tribal sectarianism, which led to underdevelopment until President Museveni and the Patriots liberated the country.
He further said this taught Ugandans a lesson of togetherness, leaving religious and tribal segregation aside to boost development.
The LC3 Chairperson of Nyarushanje Subcounty, Micheal Musiime, speaking to our reporter, said Liberation Day celebrations would be more meaningful if the entire country fully participated, instead of having some people celebrate while others do not due to injustice. However, he acknowledged the government’s efforts in fighting hard to liberate the country.
He further noted that one notable issue today is that the leaders who came into power young and energetic now seem tired, emphasizing the need for a smooth transition and intensified efforts to fight corruption.
The LC3 Chairperson of Buyanja Subcounty, Agaba Emmy Rubondo, highlighted the importance of Liberation Day celebrations in reminding Ugandans of what forced Patriots like Dr. Kiiza Besigye, Gen. Henry Tumukunde, and others to go to the bush to fight for freedom, beginning with tackling insecurity.
He further noted that a lot has been achieved, including the rehabilitation of schools through the UPE program, but said much still needs to be done, such as ensuring justice and democracy, and creating job opportunities for the young generation who study but fail to get jobs.
