By Martha John Savio – Kitgum Uganda
Uganda has celebrated its 37th Liberation Day anniversary yesterday under the theme: “Our resolute efforts to transform Uganda is a promise we shall fulfill.”
The main celebration was held at Kakumiro district in western Uganda although, other districts and sub counties’ celebrations will be held after some times, people’s feelings and comments cannot be neglected.
Speaking to No. 1 Citizen Daily Newspaper, Mr. Otiti Patrick, the chairperson of National Resistance Movement (NRM) from Lagoro sub-county Kitgum district appreciated NRMS’ achievements, stating that NRM has improved on the quality of infrastructures like schools, roads, medical facilities and communication modes.
Mr. Otiti said, there are universal education system where parents can afford to educate children despite the school fees challenges, accessibility of transportation has made it possible to transport goods and services in time compared to the previous early 80s’ where people could foot or use bicycles which could take long time.
All parishes have been provided with medical facilities where those days one has to go up to Kalongo or Kitgum Matidi for medications where else today there are various referral hospitals to save lives like Kitgum General hospital in Kitgum, and other districts in Uganda.
He added that civilians and security are living in vigilant and peaceful coexistence which used not to be the case in the 80s’ regime of Idi Amin Dada where security personnel were brutal to civilians.
In terms of economy, he said among the East African regions, Uganda is the most peaceful country coupled with strong modernized agriculture to strengthen the country.
He said as of yesterday celebrating the 37th day with NRM in power means a lot to the citizens, it means, “the leader who is the current president is a good leader and promotes people’s will” compared to the then Presidents who could stay for a week, months, or a year.
As the military spokesperson was away, the deputy resident commissioner Kitgum district had to step in, Mr. Hajj Walire Marijan said, the government is offering peaceful coexistence as the NRMs’ mission and vision is security, peace and prosperity right from elections to date.
He added that, the government is securing a better health to the citizens by providing medicines and vaccinations especially during contagious diseases which was portrayed during COVID-19 and Ebola outbreaks.
Veteran and senior citizen wealth creation Mr. Charles Bokello Odur narrated that, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa is a Ugandan politician and retired senior military officer who has been the 9th and current President of Uganda since January 26th 1986.
Mr. Charles explained that, for today (Thursday 26th January 2023) there are a lot of achievements that have never been done by other leaders such as Acholi war death claimers are being paid and those that have lost animals during the war are also being paid, “there is always a government policy and budget to cater for such issues around the country,” he noted.
Odur said the government is also allocating budgets to community to improve on people’s standard of living but the only challenge the government is facing is corrupt public officials in the country who are misusing the government property with the aim of framing the government that the government is not helping citizens such as the misuse of Parish development model fund in August 2023.
However, Mr. Odur said, in case of any default that the government is not serving the citizens, then the citizens should forgive and cooperate as human always make mistakes.
“As for today he is missing his fallen friends who passed away last year like senior citizen Mr. Achaa Lamola and others since during a moment like this, they would be in circles, parade while chanting all the good memories, dance and sing NRM songs,” he said.
Mrs. Anek Faida, youth representative Kitgum district said, the government under the regime of president Museveni is really helpful especially to the girl child since the drop out are also catered for by providing skills trainings like tailoring, hair dressings, and good nutrition.
He added that at least they can sustain a living because after the training, one is offered with machines and materials to begin self-employed businesses that encourages self-employment rather than job seekers in life.
“They give it to president Museveni who actually is about to be appreciated for inviting the Whites here. He will soon be called the initiator of the 1900 Buganda agreement. Everything is about Museveni and his NRM,” said Mrs. Akello Alice a member of Uganda People’s Congress UPC.
“How can a country celebrate a national day without having the blessing of the chief negotiator of the 1962 independence constitution” she questioned.
Akelo said, there is no justice in Uganda, a lot had happened especially during elections when some oppositions were harassed and law makers plus some civil societies were also denied right of defense and self-expressions.
She narrated that, the founder of UPC and Ugandan independence was the late Apollo Milton Obote who founded it in 1960 and obtained independence from British Protectorate in 1962 and formed a UPC flag with three horizontal lines which are:
Black standing for “African personality; Red for humanity, equality, red brotherhood. And Blue for justice which is lacking in today’s government.
The UPC is currently under the leadership of Hon. Olara Otunnu.