A little bias? Perhaps. A few things about Uganda’s independence you probably didn’t know? Absolutely.
#1. Independence Day also Honours a Late King
The date, 9 October, was selected to coincide with the death of Ssekabaka Muteesa I of Buganda, who died on the same day in 1884. The day is historically attributed to Muteesa I’s role in inviting early Christian missionaries and explorers, a spirit of hospitality that would eventually shape the region’s future.
At the time, his 37-year-old great-grandson, Ssebaka Edward Muteesa II, was the reigning King of Buganda.
#2. Revised Independence Anthem
The national anthem performed at the midnight ceremony on 9 October 1962 is not completely identical to the one sung today. George Wilberforce Kakoma’s original opening line was “Oh Uganda may your children uphold thee.” It was officially amended two months later, in December 1962, after religious leaders protested that it was “Godless” and successfully lobbied Prime Minister Milton Obote to replace it with “Oh Uganda! May God uphold thee.”
“I feel that Uganda is a religious country and it is a pity that the word God is not named in her anthem.” – Archonship Erica Sabiti
#3. Independent under the British Monarch
Despite the midnight celebrations on 9 October 1962, Uganda’s independence did not immediately end its ties to the British monarchy. Under the 1962 Independence Constitution, Uganda became a sovereign state but remained a Commonwealth realm, retaining Queen Elizabeth II as head of state, holding the title Queen of Uganda.
The Queen’s constitutional duties were exercised locally by Governor-General Sir Walter Coutts, while Milton Obote served as prime minister and head of government.
This arrangement lasted until 9 October 1963, when Parliament, then divided between the ruling UPC (37 seats), the opposition DP (24 seats), and the Buganda KY royalists selected from the Lukiiko (21 seats), was influenced by Prime Minister Obote to amend the constitution. This amendment abolished the office of Governor-General and replaced the Queen with a locally chosen, non-executive president.
To fulfil a political bargain born of the ruling UPC-Kabaka Yekka alliance, Kabaka Edward Muteesa II was elected as Uganda’s first president, while Milton Obote remained prime minister.
In 1966, Uganda’s constitutional order changed dramatically when Milton Obote abrogated the existing constitution, assumed the presidency under the interim “Pigeonhole Constitution” and subsequently overthrew President Muteesa II.
#4. The Republic of Uganda
In September 1967, a new republican constitution was promulgated; it consolidated a centralised political structure and formally abolished the traditional kingdoms.
To be continued… Happy 64 years of Independence, Uganda!
