Hundreds of revellers turned up at Kololo Independence Grounds to celebrate President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s 79th birthday in an event that was intended to mark Katonga Memorial Celebrations.
The event, organized by a dedicated group of youths led by National Coordinator Hadijah Uzeiye Namyalo, also sought to honor the valiant NRA fighters who played a pivotal role in the Battle of Katonga.
Museveni’s gaze turned back to 1985, another September etched in his memory.
The president lamented the unnecessary turmoil that Uganda endured before the NRA’s triumph in 1986, emphasizing that peaceful negotiations could have been the path to resolution.
He also posted on his socialmedia, a statement to thank everyone:
" I am glad the Bazzukulu agreed with the idea to unite my 79 years of life celebration with our struggle. In this case, the battles of September 1972 and 1985 (Katonga).
I want to thank all those who fought in Katonga and the battles before. All the past wars in Uganda were unnecessary because there was always another way of solving the problems peacefully.
Since 1962, we could have had peaceful politics, but some people didn't want to.
They decided to go for violence and sectarianism. They never wanted the elections to decide. We would have used peaceful means to solve our problems.
However, today's challenge is to transform Uganda into a modern society. To achieve this, every Ugandan must join the money economy, and every young person should get the necessary education.
There are two ways of creating a new society. One is by offering free education, and the second way is to stop working only for the stomach.
We want everybody to work for the stomach but also for the pocket. This is how we shall get a modern society. I thank the Bazzukulu for celebrating my birthday and remembering the fighters of Katonga and beyond. "
I am glad the Bazzukulu agreed with the idea to unite my 79 years of life celebration with our struggle. In this case, the battles of September 1972 and 1985 (Katonga).
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) September 8, 2023
I want to thank all those who fought in Katonga and the battles before. All the past wars in Uganda were… pic.twitter.com/7c4ziMHDlI
