Independence Day celebrations kick off in Busia

The celebrations kicked off in the morning hours with UPDF, Uganda Police and Prisons taking part in parade drills

President Yoweri Museveni will be the chief guest at the event and is set to award 40 national medals to distinguished Ugandans.

Among the recipients, 30 will be honoured with the National Independence Diamond Jubilee Medal, while others will receive notable awards such as the Luweero Triangle Medal, Masaba Medal, Police Long Service Gold Medal, Police Personal Sacrifice Medal, and the Police Meritorious Medal.

62Since62: Museveni meets UK-based Ugandans ahead of Independence Day

In preparation for the celebrations, the Office of the President partnered with Bazungu e.V, a German NGO, to provide free eye care services to the surrounding community at Masafu General Hospital from 23rd to 27th September 2024.

A total of 1,005 people received medical attention, including 300 diagnosed with mature cataracts and 105 with other eye conditions. Some 700 pairs of glasses were distributed, and patients requiring surgery will be treated at Bukedea Eye Medical Clinic later this month.

A statement from the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, confirmed the attendance of a special delegation from the United Arab Emirates, led by their Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, as well as the President of the Central African Republic, Faustin-Archange Touadéra. Other dignitaries and special delegations are also expected.

In her statement, Babalanda reflected on Uganda’s political history, noting the instability and military coups that plagued the nation until 1986, when the National Resistance Movement (NRM) came to power. She praised the NRM government for nearly 40 years of stability, peace, and socio-economic development, highlighting achievements such as improvements in infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic growth.