Uganda will this Friday, 9th October 2020 commemorate its 58th Independence anniversary.
Unlike all previous Independence Day celebrations which were held at Kololo Independence Grounds in Kampala and other various chosen districts, this year’s commemorations will be held at State House Entebbe.
This is done in an effort to contain the spread of the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic.
Addressing reporters about the development at Uganda Media Center on Wednesday, the Minister for Presidency Esther Mbayo said only a few VVIPs and government officials will join President Museveni at State House Entebbe to mark the day.
“I take this honour to announce that Uganda will on the 9th October 2020 celebrate its 58th Independence Day anniversary. Unlike the past, this year’s celebrations will be held in a scientific manner in what is now termed as the new normal. A few VVIPs will join the President at State House Entebbe to celebrate the day. The ceremony will be presided over by His Excellency President Yoweri Museveni,” said Mbayo.
This is aimed at avoiding mass human concentration which facilitates the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.
This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme, “celebrating Uganda’s steady progress towards economic take off and self sustaining economic growth.”
Mbayo said that there will be no traditional programmes and fanfare in an effort to observe the Ministry of Health Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) against COVID-19 pandemic.
Uganda got her Independence in 1962 from colonial masters, the British. The journey since then has not been an easy one because it has been characterized by various ups and downs as the Minister noted.
“Uganda has stumbled and even fallen, but we have taken it in our strides, risen, stood firmly and made fundamental steps forward,” Mbayo said.