Namyalo Urges Ugandans to Protect Independence Gains, Peace and National Resources

The Head of the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, has called on Ugandans to use the country’s 64th Independence Anniversary to reflect on the meaning of independence, protect peace and stability, and ensure that Uganda’s natural resources benefit all citizens.

Hajjat Namyalo(M)

Namyalo, who is also a Senior Presidential Adviser to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, delivered the message ahead of Uganda’s Independence Day celebrations on October 9, 2026.

Uganda attained political independence from Britain on October 9, 1962, and this year’s celebrations will mark 64 years of independence. The national celebrations are scheduled for Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in Kampala, where the programme will include the national parade, cultural performances and the Independence address.

Reflecting on the meaning of independence

In her Independence message, issued on October 6, Namyalo asked Ugandans to look beyond the celebrations and reflect on the country’s journey since 1962.

She noted that although Uganda achieved political independence in 1962, independence did not immediately translate into peace, security and stability.

According to Namyalo, the country subsequently experienced political crises, military coups, dictatorship and prolonged armed conflicts that affected national development.

She said this history should remind Ugandans that political independence alone is not sufficient if citizens cannot enjoy peace, security and freedom.

“Without peace, independence becomes only a word. Without security, freedom cannot be enjoyed. Without stability, development cannot be sustained,” Namyalo said.

Credits NRM for peace and stability

Namyalo used the occasion to highlight the role she said the NRM liberation struggle played in restoring stability following years of political turmoil. She said that when President Museveni assumed power in 1986, he inherited a country that had been deeply affected by conflict and political instability.

According to her, the NRM's vision was not simply to capture political power but to restore Uganda, establish peace and security, rebuild institutions and create conditions under which Ugandans could meaningfully enjoy the independence attained in 1962.

“That is why we say that 1962 gave Uganda political independence, but the NRM under President Museveni gave that independence a stronger foundation of peace, stability and national reconstruction,” she said.

The message therefore presents Uganda's post-independence history through the NRM's interpretation, linking the country's current peace and political stability to the changes that followed the NRM's rise to power in 1986.

Calls for responsible use of political freedom

Namyalo also acknowledged the political freedoms Ugandans exercise today, saying citizens can debate, criticise government and participate in politics.

She, however, cautioned Ugandans against allowing political disagreements to undermine the country's peace and stability.

“We may disagree politically, but we must not forget where Uganda came from,” she said.

She urged citizens to protect the gains made over the years rather than engage in actions that could plunge the country back into instability.

Her message comes in a year when Uganda has gone through a major electoral cycle, with the country conducting national elections earlier in 2026 and subsequently holding Local Council elections.

The ONC has also been actively involved in mobilising citizens around grassroots participation and elections.

Warning against wasting Uganda's opportunities

Beyond politics and security, Namyalo's Independence message placed considerable emphasis on Uganda's economic future.

She particularly highlighted the country's oil resources, saying the discovery of petroleum should become an opportunity for national transformation rather than a source of conflict or division.

“The discovery of our treasure oil in Uganda has to benefit us all, not to be turned messy,” she said.

Namyalo called for Uganda's natural resources to be managed in a manner that benefits citizens across the country.

She argued that the country's resources should become a blessing to Ugandans, particularly as the country moves towards commercial oil production and seeks to transform its economy.

Her call echoes a broader message in her work at the ONC, where she has frequently emphasised wealth creation and the need for Ugandans to participate in economic transformation.

The ONC describes its mandate as supporting the National Chairman in implementing the NRM's principles, policies and other programmes. 

Office of The National Chairman Appeals for responsible leadership

Namyalo also used a series of metaphors in her message to emphasise the kind of leadership and national responsibility she believes Uganda needs going forward.

She said the Uganda of tomorrow requires “wisdom, humility” and leaders who understand the weight of the responsibility entrusted to them.

She urged leaders and citizens alike to place the country's interests above personal or political considerations. Among the sayings she shared was:

“The road favors the traveller's but the river welcomes the fugitive.” She also reminded Ugandans that “Humbleness cools the hot soup,” using the proverb to underscore the importance of humility and restraint.

Calls for unity and protection of national gains

Namyalo urged Ugandans to celebrate Independence Day with “a clear mind, peaceful thoughts and stability” that have enabled independence to become meaningful.

She said the country should protect the achievements made over the years while continuing to address challenges facing citizens.

“If you see the storm squatting fire, just know that the country is mourning to cause exit; who will feature in the next episode?” she said in her message, warning against actions that could create unnecessary instability.

She further called on Ugandans not to “rape the country,” using the phrase to urge citizens not to destroy the nation through actions that would leave people living in fear.

A message to protect Uganda's future

As Uganda approaches 64 years of independence, Namyalo's message combines reflection on the country's troubled past with an appeal to protect peace, stability and economic opportunities.

She argued that the independence achieved in 1962 should not be viewed merely as a historical event, but as a responsibility that successive generations must protect and build upon.

She urged Ugandans to ensure that Uganda's natural resources, including oil, are used to improve the lives of citizens rather than becoming a source of division.

“Our natural resources, including oil, become a blessing to all Ugandans,” she said.

She also called for continued national unity and responsible leadership, saying the future of Uganda requires leaders who understand the responsibility placed in their hands.

Independence as a responsibility

Namyalo concluded her message by urging Ugandans to celebrate the 64th Independence Anniversary peacefully while reflecting on the country's history and future.

Her message was anchored on the argument that political freedom must be accompanied by peace, security, stability and economic transformation if independence is to have practical meaning in the lives of ordinary citizens.

As Uganda prepares to mark 64 years since October 9, 1962, she called on citizens to protect the country's gains, manage its resources responsibly and maintain the peace and stability she said have provided the foundation for national development.

“For God and My Country. Happy 64th Independence Anniversary, to all Ugandans!” Namyalo concluded.