INDEPENDENCE FETE!Namyalo Salutes M7, NRM for Uganda’s Peace & Stability

By Evans Najuna

KAMPALA — Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, Head of the Office of the National Chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), has credited President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the ruling party for restoring peace, security and stability in Uganda, urging citizens to protect the gains made since 1986.

Namyalo made the remarks Tuesday afternoon during a press conference at her office in Kyambogo, Kampala, ahead of Uganda’s 64th Independence Anniversary on October 9.

She said the anniversary offers Ugandans an opportunity to reflect on the country’s journey from political independence in 1962 to peace, stability and national transformation.

Uganda attained independence from Britain on October 9, 1962, but Namyalo said the country later endured political crises, military coups, dictatorship and prolonged armed conflicts that undermined peace and stability.

She said the NRM liberation struggle emerged against a backdrop of political instability and divisions, adding that Museveni’s assumption of power in 1986 ushered in efforts to restore peace, rebuild institutions and create conditions for national development.

“1962 gave Uganda political independence, but the NRM under President Museveni gave that independence a stronger foundation of peace, stability and national reconstruction,” Namyalo said.

She argued that political independence cannot be fully enjoyed without peace and security, stressing that stability is critical for sustainable development.

“Without peace, independence becomes only a word. Without security, freedom cannot be enjoyed. Without stability, development cannot be sustained,” she said.

Namyalo also pointed to Uganda’s political environment, saying citizens are able to debate national issues, criticise government and participate in politics.

However, she urged Ugandans to put the interests of the country above political differences and avoid actions that could undermine peace and stability.

The NRM official also called for responsible management of Uganda’s natural resources, particularly oil, saying the country’s mineral wealth should benefit all Ugandans.

“Our natural resources, including oil, must become a blessing to all Ugandans,” she said.

Namyalo further called for wisdom, humility and responsible leadership as Uganda moves into the future, saying leaders must recognise the weight of the responsibility entrusted to them.

She urged Ugandans to celebrate the Independence Anniversary peacefully while reflecting on the country’s achievements and the need to safeguard them for future generations.