Uganda on Monday marked 40 years since Liberation Day, celebrating the victory of 1986 when the National Resistance Movement (NRM), led by President Yoweri Museveni, took power after a five-year guerrilla war.
The national celebrations were held at the Kololo Independence Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, where President Museveni presided over a military parade attended by thousands of citizens, ruling party supporters, senior government officials, and foreign diplomats. The event was broadcast live across the country.
This year’s celebrations were held under the theme “A Tribute to the Patriots Who Ushered in the Fundamental Change,” honouring those who fought for Uganda’s stability and self-determination.
Speaking during the ceremony, Museveni—who recently secured a seventh five-year presidential term in the January 15 general elections—pledged that his new term would focus on inclusive wealth creation, free education, industrialisation, peace, and national unity.
“We are celebrating a major political victory,” Museveni said. “Our priorities are clear: protect peace and security, eliminate household poverty, strengthen unity, enforce discipline in governance, and support wealth creators to grow the economy.”
He assured Ugandans that the country would remain peaceful, stable, and focused on development, thanking citizens for their continued support.
During the event, 33 Ugandans were awarded national medals in recognition of their outstanding service and contribution to the liberation struggle and national development.
Liberation Day is a key national holiday in Uganda, marking a turning point in the country’s history and reflecting on progress made over four decades, even as challenges around governance, human rights, and economic equality continue to shape national debate.
