‘We are of Uganda and Uganda is ours’

As Uganda approaches 50 years of independence it must be acknowledged that much has been achieved since October 9^th 1962 when Apollo Milton Obote spoke the famous words ‘we are of Uganda and Uganda is ours’. 50 years ago Ugandans were promised opportunities for advancement and despite difficulties and hardship along the way this goal has always remained as the central Ugandan objective. The community of hope to which we aspired is blossoming.

Uganda has developed a strong government and political system, a booming economy and a stellar reputation as a leader in Pan African politics. Indeed Uganda has transformed from a young nation lurking in the shadows of colonial rule to an important player in international relations.

Uganda was privileged this year to welcome approximately 2,000 delegates from Parliaments around the world to the 2012 International Parliamentary Union. This five day event showcased Ugandan hospitality and cemented its position as a leading participant in the IPU. At just 50 years old Uganda is a relatively young democracy yet it is already scaling the heights of international political relations.

The Uganda of 2012 is a country with abundant natural resources and strengthening international trade relationships. The population of almost 35 million is among Africa’s best educated. Indeed, Makerere University was recently recognized as one of the twenty leading universities in Africa. Couple Uganda’s natural wealth with a young, well educated workforce and there can be no doubt that Uganda will continue to prosper. Ugandans can look forward to spending the next 50 years building upon their trade relations and exports of coffee, tea and cotton as well as developing the already burgeoning industries of agriculture, steel and refined oil production.

Uganda has always been a hospitable host to visiting neighbors and long distance tourists alike. This warm Ugandan welcome has been recently acknowledged by the Lonely Planet guide and they named Uganda as the number one tourist destination of 2012. They were won over by what they referred to as the ‘heartwarming hospitality and ever present smile’ of the Ugandan people.  Indeed, Lonely Planet’s description of Uganda as ‘Africa condensed, with the best of everything the continent has to offer packed into one small but stunning location’ has only confirmed what Ugandans have long known about  their home, the ‘Pearl of Africa’.

Jubilee celebrations mark a milestone in Ugandan independence and Obote’s words still ring true. ‘We are of Uganda and Uganda is ours’. Make no mistake; Uganda now fully belongs to the Ugandan people and on this historic occasion marking 50 years of independence we would like to extend an invitation and say ‘We are of Uganda, Uganda is ours but come and share in its beauty for a little while!’