Kampala, 9 October 2012
President Kagame today attended the 50th Anniversary of Uganda’s independence where thousands of Ugandans gathered at Uhuru Grounds in Kampala. Traditional dances, a civil society parade and a military parade were part of the colourful event.
True to President Museveni’s panafrican leadership, heads of states present included; President Thomas Yayi Boni of Benin, President Salva Kir of South Sudan, President Mohamed Morsi of Egypt, President Seretse Khama of Botswana, President Mwai Kibaki of Kenya, President Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe and President Joseph Kabila of Democratic Republic of Congo.
The ceremony was officiated with prayers from the leader of the Church of Uganda His Grace, Henry Luke Orombi. Reflecting on mistakes of the past, his prayer was for a new Uganda.
“We want to see a new future where we accept other, where our children grow in dignity and where men and women live with integrity.”
President Museveni began his address by thanking leaders present and reflecting on the achievements of Ugandans.
He pointed the progress in the past decades in the field of health, education, economy and technology as demonstrated by the first electrical car made in Uganda and urged those present to learn from the past to shape a prosperous nation.
“This is Uganda’s century and this is Africa’s century.”
The ceremony concluded with a choreography that revisited the past fifty years and showcased Uganda’s diversity through dance.
Following the celebrations, President Kagame ended his day with a bilateral meeting with President Museveni prior to returning to Kigali.