By christine
As Uganda marked 64 years of independence, yesterday, residents of Fort Portal City say the government should go beyond celebrating freedom from colonial rule, and focus on true freedom through better service delivery and respect for human rights.
The national celebrations were held at State House Entebbe under the theme “Embracing Our Sovereignty with Hope and Visionary Leadership.”
But on the streets of Fort Portal, some residents say independence is still just on paper. The Democratic Party Chairman for Fort Portal City, Haruna Kibirango, says Ugandans are not fully independent because of corruption and poor service delivery.
Kibirango wondered how Uganda can claim to be independent when people are dying of hunger in Karamoja, yet the country still receives food support from South Korea, despite having fertile soils and being a food basket.
Another resident,Charles Muhumuza Araali, said independence is only felt by the big people in government and big institutions who get to enjoy the public holiday. For the ordinary person – the farmer, the boda boda rider – it is just another day of hustling.
Araali also raised concern over human rights, saying some opposition leaders are rotting in jail without trial. He asked the government to respect human rights and the rule of law if Uganda is to be truly independent.
Residents now want the government to translate 64 years of independence into better roads, health services, jobs, and justice for all Ugandans