NEWS ANALYSIS

By Julius Odeke It was Uganda’s day.  No doubt about that.  The traditional dancers who graced the 50 year anniversary celebrations at Kololo Independence Grounds on Oct. 9 gave the ceremony an African touch that excited spectators. Black, yellow and red were the favoured colors of all who were at …

By Haggai Matsiko Museveni launches `century of Uganda’ There are times when it looks like the success or failure of an important occasion hangs on the outcome of a single event in the ceremony. Amidst the unprecedented excitement, pomp, and pageantry at celebrations to mark Uganda 50 years of independence …

By Haggai Matsiko The entry way to opposition leader Kizza Besigye’s home in Kasangati, a Kampala city suburb has become familiar even to those who have never been there. Most have seen the pinkish-red walls of the brick-red tiled bungalow on TV as heavy deployment of police attempt to keep …

By Independent Reporters Bishop Wilberforce Kityo Luwalira, Bishop Namirembe Diocese There are so many good things that have been done over the last 50 years. But in the same vein, there are so many bad things that have equally happened because to err is human. “We should ask God for …

By Julius Odeke and Sarah Namulondo As Uganda celebrates 50 years of independence from Great Britain, The Independent’s Julius Odeke and Sarah Namulondo sought out the views from a cross section of Ugandans on the country’s journey over the years. Nabillah Naggayi Ssempala, Woman MP, Kampala District I did not …

By Haggai Matsiko Mayanja Nkangi, Maj. John Kazoora, Godber Tumushabe, Mwambutsya Ndebesa speak of their frustration, fear, and hope On Oct 9 1962 when Uganda attained her independence, Jehoash Mayanja Sibakyalyawo  Nkangi  was 32-years old and the minister of Commerce and Industry in the UPC/Kabaka Yekka government. In an interview …

By Julius Odeke Prof. Jjuuko of Makerere University thinks it is but others differ Makerere University professor Frederick Jjuko recently stirred up debate when in a keynote address he said Uganda is a “failed state”. He said the government’s failure to provide social services, the militarisation of everyday life, failure …

By Peter Nyanzi In early 1964, units of the British led Uganda Army mutinied, demanding “the fruits of independence” and better working conditions. One of the most respected officers at the time, Idi Amin instigated the mutiny when the British army commander then, Lt.-Colonel W.W. Cheyne resisted the soldiers’ demands. …

By Sarah Namulondo Two former bosses of Mulago Hospital explain why 50 years later, Uganda cannot offer colonial standards health care Lawrence Kaggwa was possibly 15-years old when Uganda got her independence from British colonial rule in 1962. He recalls admiring the medical workers in his village in Masaka; the …

By Independent Team Museveni blamed as commission agents, government officials conspire to squeeze money out of project Deputy Registrar John Eudes Keitirima’s chambers in the High Court building in Kampala were on Sept. 6 the scene of an interesting spectacle. A construction company, Salini SpA, was seeking an order to …