Kibaki joins Ugandans in celebrating golden jubilee

Written By:PPS,    Posted: Tue, Oct 09, 2012

Tuesday’s celebrations were a culmination of various activities which have been ongoing for more than a week. President Mwai Kibaki Tuesday was among several regional leaders who joined thousands of Ugandans in commemorating their 50 years of independence. In a colourful ceremony held at Uhuru grounds, Kololo in Kampala, Ugandans led by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni cheered on as several groups performed and the Ugandan Defence Forces held a March pass parade to demonstrate how far the country has come. In his speech President Museveni cited out several factors that have contributed to the peace and stability of Uganda, among them, the improved infrastructure, access to education and better healthcare, liberazation of economy and access of Ugandans products to international markets. In acknowledging the steady progress made by the nation since he took over the reigns of leadership, President Museveni noted that despite its past challenges, Uganda has through the resilience of its citizens achieved much with the help of its friends. Tuesday’s celebrations were a culmination of various activities which have been ongoing for more than a week. Uganda gained its independence on 9th October 1962 from Britain where the Union Jack was lowered in favour of the black, yellow, red Ugandan flag. Uganda is a key member of the East African Community and a close trading partner of Kenya. Among those present were the African Union Chairman who is also Benin’s President Dr. Thomas Yayi Boni, Presidents Robert Mugabe of Zimbawe, Mohammad Morsi of Egypt, Pierre Nkurunziza  of Burundi, Paul Kagame of Rwanda, Joseph Kabila of the Democratic Republic of Congo, François Bozizé Yangouvonda of Central Africa Republic, Salva Kiir of Southern Sudan,   Seretse Khama Ian Khama of Botswana, Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz of Mauritania, Hassan Sheikh Mohamud of Somalia, Ethiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, Swaziland Prime Minister Barnabas Sibusiso Dlamini, His Highness the Aga Khan, Price Edward duke of Kent and other high powered delegations from different parts of the world. Monday night President Museveni held a State banquet in honour of the visiting Heads of State and Government. President Kibaki was accompanied by the Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Sam Ongeri and the Diplomatic Secretary and Director for Political Affairs Ambassador Patrick Wamoto among other senior Government officials.