By Alexander Mackey Okori
KOTIDO: As Uganda prepares to mark 64th Independence Anniversary Friday, October 9, 2026, reflections from a section of elders in Kotido District paints a mixed picture, with pride in the country’s peace and development achievements tempered by concerns over poverty, corruption and limited access to basic services.
Many regard the lowering of the British Union Jack on October 9, 1962, as a historic milestone that marked Uganda’s attainment of self-rule and freedom from colonial control.
Ignatius Nangiro, Chairperson of the Kotido Elders Council, who has served in various capacities under previous governments, said Uganda’s Independence is worth celebrating despite the social, political and economic challenges the country continues to face.
Nangiro noted that Uganda has undergone great political and constitutional changes over the past six decades, including the promulgation of the 1995 Constitution on October 8, 1995, thought it is has never witneseed a peaceful transition of power between successive leaders.
He pointed to what he described as notable developments since Independence, particularly under President Yoweri Museveni’s regime.
Nangiro cited improvements in peace and security, which he said have provided a more stable environment for communities to live and conduct economic activities.
He highlighted the expansion and improvement of road networks, which have enhanced connectivity between communities and facilitated the movement of people and goods.
In addition, Nangiro noted increased access to education and healthcare services, saying the expansion of schools, health facilities and other public services has contributed to improved access to essential services, particularly in previously underserved communities.
According to Nangiro, the establishment of health centres and schools in rural areas under the decentralisation policy has contributed to improvements in literacy and life expectancy.
He said the lives of people in Karamoja have also changed tremendously compared with the colonial era, when many communities relied largely on animal skins for clothing and had limited access to modern goods and services.
He noted that over the years, people have embraced new ways of life, with improved access to clothing, education, healthcare, transport and other essential services.
“During the colonial era, many people in Karamoja depended on animal skins for clothing because there were very few alternatives. Today, life has changed, and people have access to different types of clothing and other basic necessities,” he said.
He added that the transformation reflects the broader social and economic changes that have taken place in Karamoja since Uganda attained Independence in 1962.
However, he acknowledged that challenges remain and called for continued efforts to address gaps in service delivery and ensure that the benefits of development reach all Ugandans.
Meanwhile, 83-year-old William Lolem Loturukana acknowledged that Uganda has made great progress since gaining independence, but said the benefits of development have not reached all citizens equally.
Loturukana argued that many Ugandans, particularly those in rural communities, continue to struggle with poverty and limited access to essential services, while the rising cost of living is putting additional pressure on households.
“We have seen a number of changes since Independence, but there are still many Ugandans who are struggling to meet their basic needs. Poverty remains a major challenge, especially in rural areas where people have limited opportunities to improve their livelihoods,” Loturukana said.
He said the increasing prices of essential commodities are making it more difficult for low-income families to afford food, healthcare and other basic necessities.
“The cost of living has continued to rise, and this is putting a lot of pressure on ordinary families. People are finding it difficult to afford food, pay school fees and meet medical expenses,” he said.
Loturukana also called on the government to strengthen the delivery of essential public services, particularly healthcare, saying rural communities continue to face challenges accessing medicines and other medical supplies.
Government needs to put more emphasis on service delivery, especially in rural health centres. It is painful for a patient to reach a health facility only to be told that there are no medicines or other basic medical supplies,” he said.
He urged authorities to ensure that public health facilities, particularly those in remote communities, are adequately stocked with essential medicines and equipped to provide timely and affordable healthcare services to the citizens.
“As we celebrate Independence, we should also ask ourselves whether every Ugandan is able to enjoy the benefits of that freedom. Development should reach the ordinary people, including those living in the most remote communities,” Loturukana added.
