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Uganda at 62: Independence or a Change of Colonial Masters?

Today marks 62 years since Uganda officially became independent from British colonial rule, a milestone that, on the surface, represents freedom, self-determination, and national pride. But as we celebrate with songs of liberation and political fanfare, one must ask the uncomfortable question: Is Uganda truly independent, or have we simply traded foreign colonizers for home grown ones? Have our past 62 years been characterized by the freedom we envisioned, or have we been navigating through different shades of control?

Uganda’s independence on October 9, 1962, ushered in a new dawn of optimism. The Union Jack was lowered, and our own black, yellow, and red flag was raised. Sir Edward Mutesa and Milton Obote stood at the helm of the nation, embodying a promise of progress and prosperity. Yet, the journey since has been riddled with power struggles, economic upheaval, and governance challenges that call into question whether Uganda was ever truly liberated from the yoke of oppression.

The British colonialists, as brutal as they were, had a system – a system that, by the 1960s, had left Uganda with functioning infrastructure, thriving cash crop agriculture, and some semblance of public service. Was it perfect? Far from it. But there was a notion of order. Today, six decades into self-rule, it is hard not to feel as though we have moved from being colonized by foreigners to being governed by a home grown elite that has perfected the art of control, repression, and the exploitation of its people. The difference? This time, it’s in the name of “nationalism.”

At 62, the definition of independence should have evolved beyond the mere act of lowering a flag. But can we, in good conscience, celebrate independence in a country where democratic processes remain a far cry from what they should be? Is it independence when the average Ugandan struggles with corruption, inadequate healthcare, and subpar education? Is it independence when political dissent is met with tear gas and police brutality? The irony is glaring.

True independence goes beyond national sovereignty; it is the empowerment of the people, economic autonomy, and an equitable system of governance. Instead, Uganda’s economy today is heavily dependent on foreign aid, loans, and external investors. Our national debt is skyrocketing, and the everyday Ugandan continues to bear the brunt of inflation, unemployment, and social inequality. It makes one wonder: Did the colonialists ever truly leave, or did they just put on new clothes and stay behind?

There is a cruel paradox in our history. Colonial rule was about control, yes, but it came with a predictability that allowed for the development of certain institutions and sectors. Post-independence Uganda, however, has struggled to maintain political stability, oscillating between authoritarian regimes, corruption, and mismanagement. Today, the freedom to speak against the government is limited, and opposition leaders find themselves imprisoned or silenced.

In many ways, the regimes that have governed Uganda since independence have replicated the tools of the colonialists: repression, manipulation, and control. So, was Uganda better off during colonial times? It’s a dangerous question, not because we should romanticize colonialism, but because it forces us to face the bitter truth that independence, as we know it, has failed to deliver the promise of self-determination, development, and equality.

Milton Obote inherited a nation that had just shaken off the chains of British colonialism. The colonialists, despite their oppressive rule, had built railways, hospitals, and schools—mostly for their own benefit, of course, but functional nonetheless. Obote took charge of a nation full of hope, but his tenure quickly became a mixed bag of progress, political chaos, and regression.

While it’s easy to critique Obote’s failings, it’s important to acknowledge that his government did attempt to uplift Uganda in certain areas. He nationalized industries to reduce foreign influence on the economy, expanded educational access to create a literate populace, and implemented social policies aimed at empowering the common man. In this sense, Obote can be seen as a visionary leader who tried to break away from Uganda’s colonial past.

But for every step forward, there were two steps back. His move towards socialism alienated foreign investors and led to economic isolation. His political repression mirrored the colonial authoritarianism he claimed to oppose. And the infrastructure that the British left behind—though flawed—was slowly left to rot. Independence was supposed to mean a better future, but under Obote, it often felt like a regression into mismanagement and repression, with only occasional glimpses of progress.

Idi Amin Dada came to power in 1971 after ousting Milton Obote in a coup. At first, he was hailed as a liberator. Amin portrayed himself as the man who would free Uganda from Obote’s mismanagement and usher in an era of African self-determination. Amin’s nationalist rhetoric was fiery and appealing. He kicked out foreign businesses, notably expelling the Asian community in 1972, and proudly declared that Uganda would no longer bow to foreign influence.

But what Amin packaged as nationalism quickly unraveled into something much darker. His “liberation” turned into a reign of terror, where political opponents were hunted, extrajudicial killings became commonplace, and an atmosphere of fear suffocated any sense of freedom. If colonial rule was a cage, Amin’s regime was probably a furnace—hotter, darker, and infinitely more dangerous.

In 1986, Museveni gallantly rode in from the bush like a modern-day Moses, promising to deliver us from the mess of Obote and Amin. To his credit, he did bring some stability to a country that had been bouncing between coups and madness. For a while, it actually seemed like the man was serious about giving us peace, democracy, and development. But fast-forward 38 years, and we’re still waiting for that “fundamental change” we were promised. Or maybe we got it, and it just looked suspiciously like the same old autocracy, only with a better PR team.

Museveni wasn’t content with just ending the chaos. Oh no, he needed to teach us a lesson on democracy—his version, where elections happen, but the results are as predictable as his New Year’s addresses. Freedom under Museveni? It’s the kind where you’re free to vote… for him. Year after year, decade after decade. But hey, at least we’re not under the British anymore, right?

Ah, the crown jewel of Museveni’s independence—democracy. The one thing we were never supposed to enjoy under colonial rule. Museveni, the original champion of term limits, kindly removed them when they became inconvenient. Age limits? Also gone. Why, you ask? Because apparently, he’s the only one fit to rule this great nation. Democracy, Museveni-style, looks like a 38-year election cycle where the results are as predictable as Uganda’s rainy season. After all, why should we bother with change when we have the perfect leader who has single-handedly delivered us from the evils of… um… himself?

And if anyone dares to challenge him, we have a nice, cozy place for them in Luzira or, better yet, in the back of a military van. We’re free to speak our minds—just not too loudly, and definitely not against the government. If you disagree, well, just ask Bobi Wine how much fun it is to “freely” campaign in Museveni’s Uganda. Freedom has never been so exhilarating—especially when dodging tear gas.

As Uganda marks its 62nd year of independence, the question we should be asking is: are we truly free, or have we traded one form of colonialism for another? Museveni didn’t come from London with a monocle and a British accent, but he’s certainly mastered the art of control. The British built infrastructure to exploit us; Museveni builds infrastructure to exploit us for votes. The British suppressed political opposition; Museveni throws them in prison or beats them into silence. The British left us a legacy of inequality and debt; Museveni has graciously continued that tradition.

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Written by EJIKU Justine (1)

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