Uganda Independence Day | The Dark History Nobody Talks Of

Have you ever wondered how Uganda’s independence influenced her naming or why they hardly speak Swahili, unlike the rest of East Africa? Well, you’re in for the long ride to understand the Pearl Of Africa’s independence from independence to what it is today. Like it or not, Uganda has survived a lot of possible crises through the collaboration of Baganda (people of the Buganda culture) and the British. Let’s get in…

Also Read: How the Pandemic affected Ugandan children; The UNTOLD Story

What was Uganda’s name before independence?

Uganda developed from the nineteenth-century kingdom of Buganda, based along the northern shore of Lake Victoria. In 1894 Buganda was declared a British protectorate, but the country was never fully colonized. Growing self-government through a Legislative and Executive Council led to full independence on 9th October 1962. Milton Obote, leader of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), won an election as a Prime Minister. Army Chief of Staff, General Idi Amin, overthrew him in 1971 and established a brutal dictatorship. The Asian Community faced expulsion from Uganda in 1972 and sadly faced execution. Border tension led to an invasion by Tanzania, with support from exiled members of the Ugandan National Liberation Front (UNLF). President Amin was over-thrown and ill-organised elections in 1980 returned Obote’s UPC to power.

Phases That Happen Since The First Uganda Independence Day

Pre-Crisis Phase (October 9, 1962-January 22, 1964) | Uganda Independence

Uganda formally achieved its independence from the United Kingdom and became a member of the Commonwealth of Nations (CON) on October 9, 1962. Milton Obote, leader of the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC), became prime minister on October 9, 1962. Edward Frederick Mutesa II, King of Buganda, was elected president on October 9, 1963.
Crisis Phase (January 23, 1964-January 19, 1979): Several government soldiers rebelled against the government near Lake Victoria beginning on January 23, 1964, and Prime Minister Obote requested British military assistance on January 24, 1964. Some 500 British troops were deployed in support of the government on January 25, 1964. The British government finally agreed to provide military assistance to the Ugandan government on March 3, 1964. British troops withdrew from the country on August 1, 1964. Prime Minister Obote assumed emergency powers on February 22, 1966, and deposed President Mutesa on March 2, 1966.

How Mutesa turned against Buganda

Former president Mutesa led a rebellion against the government in Buganda beginning on March 3, 1966. Prime Minister Obote was elected president by the National Assembly on April 15, 1966. Government troops suppressed the rebellion in Buganda on May 28, 1966. A new constitution went into effect on September 8, 1967. Unfortunately, former president Edward Frederick Mutesa died in exile in London on November 21, 1969. President Obote survived an attempted assassination on December 19, 1969. President Obote declared a state of emergency and banned opposition political parties on December 20, 1969.

Milton Obote Vs Idi Amin

Surprisingly, President Obote was deposed in a military coup led by General Idi Amin Dada on January 25, 1971. General Amin appointed himself president for life, and President Obote went into exile in Tanzania. Tanzania imposed diplomatic sanctions (diplomatic non-recognition) against the government of General Amin on January 28, 1971. The governments of Guinea and Somalia imposed diplomatic sanctions (diplomatic non-recognition) against the government of General Amin on January 29, 1971. President Kenneth Kaunda of Zambia imposed diplomatic sanctions (diplomatic non-recognition) against the government of General Amin on February 5, 1971.

The governments of Britain and Ghana provided diplomatic assistance (diplomatic recognition) to the government of General Amin on February 5, 1971. Some 10,000 government troops defeated an invasion of some 1,000 supporters of former President Milton Obote from Tanzania on September 15, 1972. The government expelled some 50,000 Asians, including 20,000 citizens of Uganda, from the country in 1972. Government troops suppressed a military rebellion led by Brig. Charles Arube in Kampala on March 23-24, 1974, resulting in the deaths of several individuals.

Why was Bishop Janani Luwum killed?

The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) condemned the government on June 4, 1974. The London-based human rights non-governmental organization, Amnesty International, condemned human rights abuses and some 50,000 killings by the government in a report issued on February 6, 1977. Government police killed Bishop Janani Luwum, the Anglican Archbishop of Uganda, and two government ministers on February 16, 1977. Burgess Carr, general secretary of the All Africa Conference of Churches (AACC), condemned the death of Archbishop Luwum on February 17, 1977. The U.S. government, the World Council of Churches (WCC), and the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) condemned the death of Archbishop Luwum on February 17, 1977.

Government troops killed some 2,000 members of the Lango and Acholi communities on February 17-27, 1977. On May 17, 1977, the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) condemned President Amin for political murders. June 15, 1977, the CON heads of state condemned the Ugandan government for violations of human rights. On September 9, 1977, fifteen individuals were executed by the government for plotting to assassinate President Amin. The U.S. government imposed economic sanctions (trade embargo) against the government on October 10, 1978. Some 300,000 individuals were killed, and some 50,000 individuals were displaced as a result of political violence between May 1966 and January 1979.

Conflict Phase (January 20, 1979-April 13, 1979) | Uganda Independence

Ugandan rebels and some 40,000 Tanzanian government troops invaded the country beginning on January 20, 1979. President Amin referred the matter to the United Nations (UN) secretary-general on January 27, 1979. President Amin referred the matter to the UN Security Council on February 13, 1979. The Organization of African Unity (OAU) established a conciliation committee (Central African Republic, Gabon, Gambia, Madagascar, Nigeria, Togo, Tunisia, Zaire, and Zambia) headed by a representative from Nigeria. The OAU Conciliation Commission unsuccessfully attempted to mediate a cessation of military hostilities from February 21 to March 2, 1979. President Daniel Moi of Kenya appealed for a ceasefire on February 25, 1979. The Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) provided $4 million in economic assistance to the government in March 1979.

How was Idi Amin’s government overthrown?

The Organization of Frontline States (OFLS) condemned the government on March 5, 1979. The Libyan government deployed some 2,500 troops in support of the government beginning on March 4, 1979 (President Amin had requested military assistance on February 25, 1979). Ugandan exiles met in Moshi in northern Tanzania and established the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLF) on March 24-26, 1979. The UNLF formed an eleven-member executive council with Yusuf Lule as chairman, as well as a National Consultative Council (NCC).

Libyan government troops departed Uganda on April 7, 1979. President Amin’s government was overthrown by 5,000 Tanzanian soldiers and 3,000 Ugandan rebels on April 10, 1979, and Yusufu Lule was proclaimed president by the UNLF on April 13, 1979. The governments of Botswana, Mozambique, Tanzania, and Zambia provided diplomatic assistance (diplomatic recognition) to the government on April 12, 1979. Some 3,500 individuals were killed during the conflict, including some 440 Tanzanian soldiers and 200 Libyan soldiers. Some 100,000 individuals were displaced during the conflict.

Post-Conflict Phase (April 14, 1979-February 5, 1981) | Uganda Independence

The governments of Britain, Ethiopia, and India provided diplomatic assistance (diplomatic recognition) to the government of President Lule on April 15, 1979. The European Community (EC) provided humanitarian assistance to the government beginning on April 25, 1979. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), and the World Food Program (WFP) provided humanitarian assistance to individuals displaced during the conflict beginning in May 1979. The ICRC mission received an order to get out of the country on March 31, 1982). The Chinese government provided diplomatic assistance (diplomatic recognition) to the government on May 2, 1979. The U.S. government lifted economic sanctions (trade embargo) against the government on May 15, 1979.

The Fate of President Lule

President Lule received dismissal by the NCC on June 20, 1979, while Godfrey Binaisa stepped in as president through the NCC on June 21, 1979. The Tanzanian government provided civilian police assistance (1,000 police officers) to the government beginning on September 30, 1979. The British government provided civilian police assistance (60 police officers) to the government beginning in October 1979. The Uganda Freedom Movement (UFM) came through in opposition to the government in 1979. The Military Commission of the UNLF on May 10-11 deposed President Binaisa, in 1980, and the six-member military commission under Paulo Muwanga took control of the government on May 12, 1980. Milton Obote returned to Uganda from Tanzania on May 27, 1980. A five-person electoral commission received an appointment on July 15, 1980, and registration of voters began on October 6, 1980.

The first Parliament of Uganda

Legislative elections happened on December 10, 1980, and the Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) won 72 out of 126 seats in the National Assembly. The Democratic Party (DP) won 51 seats in the National Assembly. Milton Obote of the UPC won elections as president on December 10, 1980, and he attended the inauguration as president on December 15, 1980. The CON sent 70 short-term observers from nine countries led by Ebenezer Deborah of Ghana to monitor the presidential and legislative elections from November 24 to December 18, 1980. General Yoweri Museveni, leader of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), claimed election fraud. Some 10,000 Tanzanian troops remained in the country until June 30, 1981 (some 620 Tanzanian soldiers were killed during the deployment in Uganda).

Conflict Phase (February 6, 1981-January 26, 1986) | Uganda Independence

The National Resistance Army (NRA) led by General Yoweri Museveni rebelled against the government of President Obote beginning on February 6, 1981. The UFM initiated a campaign of political violence against the Ugandan government in April 1981. Former Presidents Godfrey Binaisa and Yusuf Lule established the Uganda Popular Front (UPF) in opposition to the government on January 7, 1982. The London-based human rights NGO, Amnesty International, condemned the government for “extra-legal executions, torture, killings of people in detention, and abductions” on April 15, 1982. The CON provided military assistance (36 military advisers from Australia, Britain, Canada, Guyana, Jamaica, Sierra Leone, and Tanzania, commanded by Colonel J. H. Clavering of Britain) to the government between March 15, 1982, and March 15, 1984. NRA rebels killed 81 civilians near Kikyusa on May 30, 1983.

How President Obote Had to run away from Uganda

Additionally, government troops killed some 90 individuals in Namugongo on May 25, 1984. The British government agreed to provide military assistance (military training) to the government on August 17, 1984. Some 200 North Korean troops came through in support of the government on November 16, 1984. President Obote faced an overthrow in a military rebellion led by General Bajilio Olara Okello on July 27, 1985, resulting in the deaths of ten individuals. President Obote fled to Kenya on July 28, 1985. A nine-member military council headed by General Tito Okello Lutwa took control of the government and suspended the constitution on July 29, 1985.

President Daniel Moi of Kenya mediated negotiations between representatives of the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) and the NRA from August 26 to December 17, 1985. General Okello and General Yoweri Museveni, leader of the NRA, signed the Nairobi Peace Accord on December 17, 1985. Under the terms of the accord, the UNLA and NRA agreed to a ceasefire and to share government power. The NRA violated the ceasefire agreement on January 17, 1986, and NRA rebels took control of the government on January 26, 1986. Some 250,000 individuals, including some 9,000 NRA rebels and 40,000 government soldiers, were killed during the conflict. At least 750,000 individuals were displaced during the conflict.

Post-Conflict Phase (January 27, 1986-February 28, 1994)

General Yoweri Museveni finally was able to swear in as president on January 29, 1986. The presidents of Kenya, Rwanda, and Zaire expressed support for the government of President Museveni on January 29, 1986. Government troops captured Gulu from UNLA rebels on March 9, 1986. The government suspended political party activity on March 10, 1986. The heads-of-state of Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, and Zaire jointly expressed support for President Museveni on March 20, 1986. The Uganda People’s Democratic Movement (UPDM) headed by Eric Otema Allimadi and Lt. Colonel John Angelo Okello began a rebellion against the government in northern Uganda in May 1986. The Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) began a rebellion against the government in northern Uganda in January 1987.

Joseph Kony of LRA Vs. Yoweri Museveni

Some 350 UNLA rebels were killed by government troops near Lira on January 18, 1987. Andrew Lutaakome Kayiira, leader of the UFM, was assassinated on March 9, 1987. The government largely suppressed the UNLA rebellion in August 1987. President Museveni and Lt. Colonel Okello of the UPDM signed a peace agreement in Gulu on June 4, 1988. Eric Otema Allimadi, a leader of UPDM, rejected the peace agreement. Representatives of the government and UPDM signed a peace agreement in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia on July 12, 1990.

The World Bank provided reconstruction assistance to the government between September 11, 1990, and December 31, 2002. President Yoweri Museveni issued an ultimatum to the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) led by Joseph Kony on February 6, 1994. The ultimatum called on LRA rebels to surrender to government forces within seven days. Uganda Independence Day reminds us of the hardships the country has been through.

Conflict Phase (March 1, 1994-February 23, 2008)

Eventually, the LRA launched an insurgency against the government on March 1, 1994. Legislative elections happened on March 28, 1994, and the National Resistance Movement (NRM) won 114 out of 214 seats in the Constituent Assembly. The United Nations (UN) provided electoral assistance and coordinated some 110 election observers from November 1992 to December 1994. President Yoweri Museveni appointed Kintu Musoke as prime minister on November 18, 1994. The Allied Democratic Front (ADF) headed by Jamir Mukulu began a rebellion against the government in 1995. LRA rebels attacked and killed between 170 and 220 civilians in Gulu district on April 22, 1995. Government troops killed 16 LRA rebels and 13 civilians near Lokung on August 31, 1995.

The Constituent Assembly adopted a new constitution on September 22, 1995, and the constitution went into effect on October 8, 1995. President Museveni earned re-election with 74 percent of the vote on May 9, 1996. The OAU sent observers to monitor the presidential elections and reported that the elections were free and fair. Legislative elections were held on June 27, 1996, and the NRM won 156 out of 276 contested seats in the National Assembly. The UN provided electoral assistance and coordinated the Joint International Observer Group in Uganda (JIOG-Uganda) from February to July 1996. The CON sent observers to monitor the presidential and legislative elections.

How LRA Destroyed lives and property

The International Foundation of Election Systems (IFES) sent five observers to monitor the election process from April 28 to June 30, 1996. LRA rebels killed 130 individuals near Karuma in March 1996, and LRA rebels killed 115 individuals at the Achol Pii refugee camp in northern Uganda on July 12-13, 1996. The London-based human rights NGO, Amnesty International, condemned the LRA for the attacks against civilians on July 18, 1996. Some 350 LRA rebels and 285 West Bank Nile Front (WBNF) rebels were killed by government troops in 1996.

Some 400 individuals were killed, and some 200,000 individuals were displaced as a result of LRA rebel attacks between January and May 1997. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) established a mission consisting of some 25 international personnel and 175 local personnel to provide humanitarian assistance to Ugandans displaced during the conflict beginning in June 1997. LRA rebels offered to resume negotiations with the government on February 5, 1998. ADF rebels attacked Kichwamba and Kabatunda on April 9, 1998, resulting in the deaths of 16 individuals.

What did Human Rights Watch Do bout these atrocities?

Human Rights Watch (HRW) sent a fact-finding mission to Uganda in April 1998. ADF rebels killed some 60 individuals in Kaborole on June 9, 1998. HRW condemned ADF on June 10, 1998, for the attack in Kaborole. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), CARE, and Oxfam International (OI) provided humanitarian assistance to Ugandans displaced during the conflict. ADF rebels killed five individuals in Bunegeya on September 8, 1999.

Government troops and ADF rebels clashed near Bundibugyo on December 10-11, 1999, resulting in the deaths of some 50 rebels, 11 civilians, and nine government soldiers. ADF rebels killed two police officers and one civilian in a national park in western Uganda on December 17, 1999. ADF rebels killed six civilians in the Huyira refugee camp near Bundibugyo on December 22, 1999. Government troops and LRA rebels clashed on December 26-29, 1999, resulting in the deaths of four rebels. LRA rebels killed five civilians in Kitgum district in northern Uganda on December 31, 1999.

Moving beyond the history of Buganda, it is crucial to explore the broader context of Uganda’s journey since gaining independence in 1962. As we delve into Uganda’s post-colonial trajectory, it is essential to answer some of the most searched questions related to the country’s history.

Most Searched Questions:

1. Who was the first colonizer before Uganda’s Independence Day?

• Uganda was initially a colony of the British. The colonization process began in the late 19th century, with the British East Africa Company establishing its influence in the region.

2. Was there slave trading in Uganda?

• Uganda, situated in East Africa, was not a significant center for transatlantic slavery. However, the region did experience internal forms of slavery and slave trading.

3. What Was The Name Of Uganda Before Independence?

• Before gaining independence, Uganda was part of British East Africa and was commonly referred to as the “Protectorate of Uganda.”

4. Who was the First Explorer to Come to Uganda?

• The first European explorer to visit the country, long before Uganda’s was John Hanning Speke in 1862. Speke’s exploration was instrumental in discovering the source of the Nile River.

5. Who Was the Last Colonial Leader, and Who Took Over?

The last colonial leader in Uganda was Sir Walter Coutts, who served as the Governor of Uganda until independence in 1962. After independence, Milton Obote became the first Prime Minister.

6. How Did Uganda Earn the Title ‘Pearl of Africa’?

The title “Pearl of Africa” came from Winston Churchill. Uganda’s scenic beauty during his travels captivated his heart. He referred to Uganda as the “Pearl” due to its lush landscapes and diverse wildlife.

7. Thorough Commentary on How Far Uganda Has Come Since 1962?

Since gaining independence, Uganda has undergone significant transformations. The country experienced political upheavals, including the Amin era marked by human rights abuses, and the Museveni-led National Resistance Army’s rebellion in the 1980s. Despite challenges, Uganda has made strides in economic development, with sectors such as agriculture, services, and tourism contributing to growth. However, political stability remains a dynamic factor, and challenges like the LRA insurgency have posed obstacles to sustained progress.

Post-Independence Development and Challenges Faced In Uganda

Following Uganda’s independence in 1962, the nation embarked on a path of development, albeit facing numerous challenges. The early years of independence were mainly a mess of political instability, with changes in leadership contributing to a volatile environment. The tensions between centralization and federalism, particularly with Buganda, fueled political conflicts that shaped the trajectory of the country.

The economic landscape of Uganda witnessed both successes and setbacks. The country’s reliance on agriculture posed challenges, but efforts were made to diversify the economy. Infrastructure development projects, educational advancements, and healthcare initiatives were undertaken to foster socio-economic growth. However, external shocks, such as the global economic downturn, posed challenges to sustained progress.

Idi Amin’s Regime and Its Impact

The Amin era (1971-1979) lived a brutal dictatorship characterized by human rights abuses, economic mismanagement, and the expulsion of Asian communities. Idi Amin’s regime led to a severe decline in Uganda’s economy, with the expulsion of skilled professionals and business owners contributing to economic challenges. The impact of Amin’s rule left lasting scars on the nation, both socially and economically.

The Museveni Era and Political Stability Since Uganda’s Independence

Yoweri Museveni came to power in 1986, leading the National Resistance Movement (NRM). His government claims to have restored relative political stability and implemented economic reforms. The introduction of multiparty politics in the early 2000s marked a significant political development, fostering a more pluralistic political landscape.

Challenges of the LRA Insurgency

One of the most significant challenges Uganda faced was the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency, led by Joseph Kony, which spanned from the late 1980s to the early 2000s. The conflict resulted in widespread displacement, human rights abuses, and atrocities against civilians. International efforts, including military interventions and peace negotiations, aimed to bring an end to the insurgency.

Uganda’s Regional Role and Refugee Crisis

Uganda has played a notable role in regional peacekeeping efforts, contributing troops to various international missions. The country has also been a host to a large number of refugees, particularly from neighboring conflict-ridden countries like South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Rwanda.

Recent Economic Growth and Challenges

In recent years, Uganda has experienced steady economic growth, driven by sectors such as agriculture, services, and the emergence of a vibrant informal sector. However, challenges such as corruption, infrastructural limitations, and income inequality persist and require sustained efforts for comprehensive development.

Environmental Conservation Efforts

Uganda is popular for its biodiversity and natural beauty. Efforts to balance economic development with environmental conservation have been increasing, with initiatives aimed at sustainable resource management, wildlife conservation, and eco-tourism.