On his 80th birthday, celebrated on September 15, 2024, President Yoweri Museveni took a moment to reflect on his life, the country’s liberation struggle, and the role of key African leaders in supporting Uganda’s journey to freedom.
In a heartfelt message of gratitude, Museveni expressed his appreciation to the people of Uganda, the members of the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF), and the former National Resistance Army (NRA), as well as their descendants, for their collective efforts in transforming the nation.
“I want to express my gratitude to the members of UPDF/NRA, as well as to the brave children and grandchildren of these fighters, for coming together with us to work towards the liberation and betterment of Uganda,” Museveni said.
The President also took time to pay tribute to African freedom fighters who stood by Uganda during its most challenging times, acknowledging figures such as Mwalimu Julius Nyerere of Tanzania, Samora Machel of Mozambique, and Muammar Gaddafi of Libya for their invaluable support.
“I thank the Africans, such as Mwalimu Nyerere, Samora Machel, Muammar Gaddafi, and others, for supporting us in our struggle,” Museveni noted, recognizing the broader Pan-African solidarity that played a crucial role in shaping Uganda’s liberation journey.
Museveni emphasized that the celebrations were not merely about his personal achievements but a reflection of the collective success of Ugandans in overcoming hardship and building a better future.
“The celebrations were not only for Museveni because I didn’t do all this on my own. We are celebrating the struggle for the people of Uganda, in which I have been very active, but the success is for all of us,” he added.
In addition to reflecting on the past, Museveni also highlighted some of the progress made in Uganda over the years. He recalled how, during the war, the people in the Luwero Triangle lived in grass-thatched houses, and today, many live in homes made of bricks, cement, and iron sheets (Mabaati), a sign of development that he praised as an important milestone.
Looking forward, the President reiterated his commitment to ensuring free education for all children in Uganda, stressing that no child should be paying fees in government primary or secondary schools.
He also urged the people of Greater Luwero to hold their leaders accountable for delivering services and announced plans to rehabilitate critical roads in the region, including the Masulita-Luwero, Kiwoko-Butalangu, and Butalangu-Kapeeka-Nakwaya roads.
Museveni concluded by promising to visit the Luwero region soon to engage with the people and ensure that development projects are on track.
As the President marked his 80th year, his message was clear: the fight for Uganda’s progress is far from over, and it will continue with the same spirit of unity and dedication that shaped the nation’s past.
