President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed peace-loving Ugandans and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for maintaining stability across the country, describing peace as the cornerstone of Uganda’s social and economic transformation.
Speaking during the 63rd Independence Day celebrations held at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds on Thursday, the President said all of Uganda’s recent achievements are rooted in the peace and security ensured by disciplined citizens and the armed forces.
“I need to salute the peace-loving Ugandans and the UPDF for ensuring peace in Uganda. All that is happening is, first and foremost, on account of the peace that is available. This peace is lubricated by the long-standing NRM policy of reconciliation and forgiveness, on top of our firm stand against crime,” the President said.
This year’s celebrations were attended by the Deputy President of Kenya, ambassadors, religious and cultural leaders, senior government officials, and thousands of citizens who gathered to mark Uganda’s steady progress since independence in 1962.
In a symbolic moment highlighting the day’s theme of peace and reconciliation, President Museveni welcomed back his former comrade, Col. Samson Mande, who has been living in exile for several years.
The President commended Col. Mande’s decision to return home, describing it as a gesture of renewed unity and trust in Uganda’s stability.
“Even today, I am happy to welcome back into peaceful Uganda, Col. Samson Mande, who had fled into exile on account of, apparently, some internal intrigue,” Mr. Museveni said. “While in exile, he tried to engage in some rebel activities. When, however, our cadres contacted him in Sweden, he happily agreed to come back and disconnect himself from the rebel activities.”
President Museveni also recalled Col. Mande’s contributions to the liberation struggle, citing his service in 1979 as a volunteer scout for the Task Force Division of the TPDF under Major General Silas Mayunga, and later as commander of the 15th Battalion during the Siege of Masaka in 1985.
“I remember Samson Mande in 1979 operating as a volunteer scout for the Task Force Division of the TPDF in Mbarara. Later, Mande did a good job as commander of the 15th Battalion in the Siege of Masaka and in subsequent assignments. We welcome him,” he said.
Reflecting on Uganda’s 63-year journey, President Museveni said the country’s transformation from a collapsed economy to one of Africa’s fastest-growing was made possible by the peace ushered in by the NRM.
He noted that by the 10th Independence Anniversary, Uganda was under “envious dictatorship,” and by the 20th, the economy had disintegrated, forcing citizens into black-market survival.
“I am happy to inform Ugandans that by June 2026, the economy of Uganda will have grown to USD 66.9 billion in size using the forex exchange method, or USD 197.9 billion using the purchasing power parity method,” he said, adding that the economy is projected to grow by 7 percent this year and enter double digits once oil production begins.
President Museveni said Uganda has undergone five phases of recovery, from minimum recovery, to expansion, diversification, value addition, and now technological advancement, citing Kiira Motors as a symbol of the country’s industrial transformation.
He also emphasized the importance of regional integration, urging leaders in the East African Community to fast-track both economic and political unification.
“What we need to work on now are two issues, economic integration of East Africa to ensure a big market, and political integration of East Africa resulting in a political federation of our region and the whole of Africa,” he said.
In his remarks, Col. Mande expressed gratitude to President Museveni and the government for facilitating his return, pledging to work with the state in promoting peace and national unity.
“I am grateful to His Excellency the President and the government for welcoming me back. I am ready to contribute toward peace and the continued stability of our country,” he said.
The President closed his address by urging Ugandans to safeguard the hard-won peace that underpins the country’s growth, saying Uganda’s future rests on unity, reconciliation, and shared prosperity.
