Uganda Jubilee: Which Way for Milton Obote?

Published on 9th October 2012

The Late Milton Obote: Forgotten Hero?
When the Union Jack was lowered on 9th of October 1962 in favor of Uganda’s Black, Yellow and Red Independence flag, one man was noticeable - Prime Minister and  President Apollo Milton Obote. The man is an icon for Uganda’s Independence, and deserves special recognition when Ugandans take to the Kololo grounds to celebrate our country’s 50th Birthday.

Of course Milton Obote’s image has since been mud-smeared due to political propaganda, but in all honesty, this does not change the reality. Our past leaders faltered just like any of the present leaders have; and for that matter, we cannot afford to attempt rewriting history merely to pass judgment on fellow man. In any case, a lot that happened during the Obote regime was simply a test of the times, just like we’ve had enormous tests in our times. 

The old adage never seems to change - that politics is a dirty game. Potentially good persons are certain to get dirty as long as they join politics because that’s the nature of the game.

I had a chance of listening to some interviews with Obote during his last days on earth, thanks to the defunct Andrew Mwenda Live show on KFM. Any objective mind would appreciate that this man was very brilliant, eloquent and smart in the head. It is very sad that many people lost their lives under his leadership, but I also hear that some of the infrastructure put in place during his regime still stand firm to this day. By implication, we seem to have something to borrow or admire from Milton Obote, putting aside his failures.

As Uganda celebrates 50 years of Independence, we must start a brand new page hinged on reconciliation, peaceful coexistence and a pledge to end the monster of corruption that has denied our motherland a chance to develop progressively. All physical prisoners as well as prisoners of conscience that have inadvertently left the country should be allowed freedom to return. October 9 should not simply pass like any other day of the week; let this day bathe us with flavored water of hope for a new nation full of optimism, transparency and true love for our motherland.

We’ve all fallen short of goodness in one way or another. However, as we celebrate our Golden Jubilee, let us seek for God’s cleansing and forgiveness. Uganda is not a cursed nation as many might think. I swear that there’s nothing that Rwanda has that we do not have. In fact, we have even much more-and if we can equitably utilize our resources and put a heart to the future of our nation, Uganda will become a formidable home for the present and future generations to come.

Well, President Milton Obote is 7 years dead on Jubilee day and will certainly not feel any recognition or lack of it. However, we must always remember that Milton Obote’s  soul will be hovering in the airwaves of Kololo as the chorus of Ugandans, sing the Uganda National anthem for the 50th time in history. How sweet it would be if this historical man and others that made this dream come true were recognized!

Long Live Uganda! Long live everyone that played a role in ensuring our independence! For God and My Country.

By Tumusiime Deo
International Communications Consultant.
E-mail: [email protected]


This article has been read 2,414 times
COMMENTS