With so much poverty, Ugandan independence is not yet reality - Akena

Akena said more resources, national determination and focused leadership are necessary if the country would deliver unto Ugandans some of the unrealised dreams of the independence struggle.

The UPC top honcho was speaking to media in Kampala when he made these remarks, Akena went further to say that national unity is key in delivering independence to Ugandans.

Alongside such unity, he added, there is need for expanding services to all as a means to ensuring Ugandans feel they have a stake in the country and are thus mobilised towards the economic development of the country.

Uganda is due to celebrate 60 years of independence on October 9, yet many feel it is Not Yet Uhuru, so to speak, in the country.

Akena agrees but he asks Ugandans to reflect on the demands and challenges of the decolonisation and independence struggles in Uganda and Africa.

He said self-government, also known as Kwivuga, comes with responsibilities and the opportunity to set the priorities right. He added that delivering on those priorities is a major challenge.

“The clarion call to fight relentlessly against poverty, ignorance and disease echoes hollow where deprivation, crumbling education facilities and inadequate access to healthcare and life saving medication,” he said.

He said the dreams of interdependence through economic, social and political connectivity have not yet come into being.

“Domestically, we need to upgrade our infrastructure and think of participating fully in both regional markets and African free trade zones,” he said.

As Uganda turns 60, this year’s independence theme centres on a declaration of African interdependence and shared destiny.