Musanze, on 9^th October 2024

The Rwanda Defence Force Command and Staff College (RDFCSC) celebrated Uganda's 62^nd Independence Day by organising a reception for the entire college fraternity. The event was attended by students of Senior Command and Staff Course (SCSC) 13, along with faculty and support staff.

Uganda's Independence Day, a national holiday observed on October 9^th each year, marks the country's independence from the British colonial rule in 1962.

After a month of negotiations between the emerging Ugandan government and Great Britain, a formal transition of power was agreed upon and executed on October 9^th. On Independence Day, many Ugandans participate in celebrations across the country.

The Duke of Kent handed over the Instruments of Power for Independence to Dr. Milton Obote on behalf of Her Majesty the Queen of the United Kingdom. Thousands of Ugandans gathered at Kololo Independence Grounds at midnight on 9 October 1962, to witness the historic moment when the British Union Jack was lowered and the Black, Yellow and Red Flag of independent Uganda was hoisted for the first time.

In line with the College tradition, the national anthem of Uganda was played.

Lt. Col. Robert Oumo ODEKE, representing the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), expressed gratitude to the Government of Rwanda and RDFCSC for honoring Uganda’s 62^nd Independence Anniversary. He highlighted the significance of the occasion and the theme, "Independence Day, a Recommitment to Secure and Fortify our Destiny." Lt Col ODEKE also acknowledged the efforts of Africa's forefathers, such as Julius Nyerere, Jomo Kenyatta, Kenneth Kaunda, and Kwame Nkrumah, in liberating the continent from colonial rule.

The Ugandan DS Lt Col Fred Alikira BAGUMA addressed the gathering.

In his remarks, the Commandant of RDFCSC, Brig Gen Andrew NYAMVUMBA expressed his honor in celebrating Uganda’s 62nd Independence Day anniversary. He noted that the day signifies a pivotal moment in Uganda’s history, highlighting the resilience and unity of the Ugandan people. He extended warm Independence Day wishes to the people of the Republic of Uganda, with special recognition to Lt Col Fred Alikira BAGUMA, a DS at the college, and students Lt Col Robert Oumo ODEKE and Maj Amos Bamwenda AKANKWASA, who were present at the event.

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