Independence Day in Uganda
In 1875, explorer Henry Stanley found Uganda, which at the time was split into two kingdoms. In addition to the missionaries, trade also came to the little nation in central Africa after the first Anglican missionaries arrived there in 1877.
The British East Africa Company received control of Uganda from Britain in 1888. However, until an agreement between Germany and Britain placed Uganda under British sovereignty in 1890, other European nations competed for control of the country.
Not just in Britain, but also in Uganda, religion was a big problem. Britain declared Uganda a protectorate and used tribal chiefs as puppets in the government in an effort to exert control over the country’s religious groups.
The Bakungu chiefs were put in authority by the Uganda Agreement in 1900, which infuriated other tribes around Uganda. The Bakungu were chosen as rulers by the British because of their fervent devotion to Christianity and capacity for tax collection. In 1904, cotton was Uganda’s main export, and by the 1920s, coffee and tea had followed.
Uganda was under the supervision of the British Colonial Office, but it was never fully colonised. African engagement in politics was pushed after World War II by urban strikes and rural agricultural demonstrations. The first Africans were allowed to serve in the legislative council in 1945 when Britain democratically changed several local administrations. By 1955, Africans made up half of the legislative council. In 1961, there was a general election, and in 1962, the nation attained self-government.
Uganda Independence Day Celebrations
Uganda celebrates Independence Day with same fervour to other nations. At the Kololo ceremonial grounds, there is a national holiday that the President is officiating. Other nation’s leaders are present at the ceremony as well.
Celebrations are conducted all around Uganda, and events are organised to promote the country. There are concerts by well-known performers as well as parades. Additionally, there are cultural events and local dance performances. Traditional meals and beverages are served at festivals, and many attendees dress in traditional attire. Every event includes a conspicuous display of the Ugandan flag as a sign of national pride.
Uganda Facts
- Kenya, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Rwanda, and Tanzania are the five nations that Uganda shares borders with. The DRC shares the border that is the longest.
- With a population of 45 million, Uganda is one of the most populous nations in Africa. Additionally, it has one of Africa’s quickest rates of economic growth.
- Uganda has the youngest population in the world! In Uganda, the average age is 15.7 years old.
- Independence Day (from the UK) is observed as Uganda’s national holiday on October 9.
- Henry Stanley, an explorer, finds Uganda, commonly referred to as the “Pearl of Africa.”