Uganda is 62 years old. What do the youths think about Independence?
On October 9, Uganda will mark 62 years of independence. Six decades later, how do young Ugandans perceive independence, and what more can be done to make Uganda a better country? Youth Blitz spoke to some youths who shared their views on what independence means to them and the future they envision for Uganda.
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John Mugerwa, 22, a university student
Independence is a symbol of political freedom. Uganda may be free from colonial rulers, but we still rely heavily on foreign aid and imports. True independence means being able to stand on our own, not just politically but economically too. For me, independence will be meaningful when we can create wealth for our own people without needing help from the West.
Beatrice Nansubuga, a 27, Social Worker
Independence goes beyond the end of colonial rule. To me real independence means the ability of citizens to enjoy basic human rights without corruption standing in the way.
We may have gained independence in 1962, but as long as corruption exists, it is hard to say we are truly independent. Corruption steals opportunities from ordinary Ugandans and limits our freedom to access good healthcare, quality education, and even justice.
Isaac Tumusiime, 25, Entrepreneur
For me, independence means the freedom to pursue opportunities, but I feel that the government still needs to create an environment where entrepreneurship can truly thrive.
I think independence gave us a chance to explore our potential, especially in business. But starting a business in Uganda is tough. There’s too much red tape, and corruption makes it hard to succeed without connections. The government needs to provide more support for small businesses, especially by reducing taxes and eliminating the bureaucracy.
Esther Katushabe, 19, student
Independence should remind us that it’s our responsibility to build Uganda. The older generation fought for our freedom, and now it’s our turn to take Uganda to the next level. We need to focus on education and innovation to make sure our country keeps progressing.
Moses Okello, 28, Farmer
To me, independence means that we don’t have to rely on other countries to feed our people. Agriculture is the backbone of our economy, but farmers like me still face a lot of challenges. The government needs to invest in rural infrastructure like roads and irrigation systems so that we can produce enough food not just for ourselves, but also for export.
Sarah Mutesi, 24, Social Activist
Independence is about equal opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender. We’ve come a long way, but there are still many barriers for women, especially in leadership and employment. The state needs to implement stronger policies that ensure women have the same opportunities as men, whether it’s in politics, business, or education.
Samuel Kibwika, 30, Teacher
Education is key to true independence. Unfortunately, our education system is still too focused on outdated colonial models that don’t prepare students for the realities of Uganda today. We need to reform our education system so that it equips young people with the skills they need to thrive in agriculture, technology, and other vital sectors.
Alex Ssebulime, 26, Software Developer
Independence today isn’t just about politics or economics; it’s about technology. If we want to be truly independent, we need to build our own tech infrastructure and support Ugandan startups. That way, we can compete globally without being at the mercy of foreign tech giants.
