By Joellah Anshemeza Kagina
On January 26th, Uganda will mark a special moment in its history a day that signifies not only the struggles and victories of the past but also the hope and promise of a brighter future. This year, as we celebrate the 39th anniversary of the National Resistance Movement/Army (NRM/A) victory, we gather under the theme: “39 Years of NRM/A: Salutations to Those Who Re-sanctified Our Homeland’’ at the Mubende National Teachers ‘College Grounds. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and renewed commitment to the legacy of our heroes.
To some of us, Liberation Day isn’t just like any other day, it reminds us of the brave, courageous men and women who fought for the peace that we enjoy today and it is on this note that I dedicate this 39th Liberation Anniversary to all our heroes and heroines (both living and dead) but most importantly to a great man that was not lucky enough to live and enjoy the fruits of his sweat “my father,” the late Maj. Kagina Bernard.
At the age of 21, he left behind his family and dreams to fight for the freedom and security of his country. His sacrifice is a reflection of the countless others who, with selflessness and determination, reshaped the future of Uganda. Their bravery has provided us with the priceless gift of peace, and it is upon us to safeguard it.
As a daughter to a man who sanctified our homeland, I thank God that some of our parents went through a lot to ensure that Uganda attains the peace and security that we have today. So many people keep judging us because of the love we display for this government not knowing that we have the real story home, our parents narrated a lot to us and when we see the current Uganda we are living in today we thank God.
The GenZ of my age are always up in arms with excitement shouting on top of their voices with slogans that don’t make sense like “Agende, Twakoowa” and so many others have been born during the reign of the NRM, no war, no insurgencies, peace and security all through is all we have enjoyed.
As I get older day by day, I learn to appreciate the sacrifice, the bravery, and the courage of our liberators. Ooh, how I wish my father was here to enjoy the freedom that we are all enjoying today.
The journey to this victory was one of extraordinary courage and resilience. The NRM, born out of the struggles that followed the 1980 election, arose with a vision to heal the wounds of our nation which sought to correct the injustices that plagued Uganda. The union of the Popular Resistance Army (PRA) with the Uganda Freedom Fighters (UFF) in 1981 created the National Resistance Army, a force whose vision was to restore peace, security, and governance. Their efforts ended in the successful fall of the oppressive regime in 1986, marking the beginning of a new Uganda.
This victory was more than a military achievement. It set the stage for a political, social, and economic transformation. Over the years, the NRM has implemented programmes such as the Parish Development Model, Operation Wealth Creation, and Emyooga, all aimed at reducing poverty, creating opportunities, and uplifting communities across the country. It is through these initiatives that Uganda has been able to build on the peace and stability that the NRA fighters fought so hard to secure.
The Parish Development Model (PDM), a multi-sectoral strategy for socio-economic transformation by the Government of Uganda aimed at moving the 39% of Uganda households in the subsistence economy to the money economy. Currently, over 10,000 (PDM) SACCOs are benefiting over 2,000,000 households countrywide.
As we celebrate 39 years of liberation, we honour the sacrifices of those who dared to dream of a better Uganda. They endured unimaginable hardships, not for personal gain, but for the future of this nation. They gave their all to ensure that we, the citizens of today, could live in peace, security, and prosperity. Their courage, vision, and selflessness are the very pillars upon which we stand. Their legacy is not just in the history books but in the opportunities, we now have to shape our destinies.
Today, as we stand on the foundation they laid, it is our duty to protect and build on their work. The peace they secured has allowed us to grow, to thrive, and to take ownership of our nation’s future. It is up to us especially the younger generation to continue the work of building a Uganda that honours the ideas of unity, peace, and progress.
Liberation Day is not just a date on the calendar. It is a reminder of the price paid for the freedoms and opportunities we enjoy today. Let it serve as a call to action and a reminder that we all have a role to play in ensuring that Uganda continues to prosper and that the sacrifices of our heroes are never forgotten and continue the mission of creating a Uganda where every citizen can pursue their dreams and reach their fullest potential.
As we celebrate, let us renew our commitment to building a Uganda that reflects the dreams of those who re-sanctified our homeland, a Uganda where unity, peace, and progress are not just ideals, but the reality in which every citizen can thrive. The victory secured 39 years ago is a precious gift, one that we must cherish and protect for the generations to come.
Ms Joellah Anshemeza Kagina is a communications officer at the GCIC
