As government is planning to commemorate the NRA/NRM liberation day which normally occurs on January 26, every year, Many Ugandans especially those in Luweero Triangle are posing a question whether it is still relevant to celebrate such a day in the country.
The lingering question comes in peoples mind because of what is happing like the unlawful arrest of people without being taken to court to answer charges and the high level of patronage which many say it has killed the ideology of the NRM government hence causing political challenges in the country.
The former Chairman of Luweero District and Ex-Minister who is also a bush war veteran Abdul Nadduli say that the day is no longer relevant for celebration because what took NRA/NRM to Luweero bush to fight the UPC seating government have started recurring.
Nadduli cites out the incident in how is family members were abducted and detained in unknown place in November, 2022 saying such acts prompted many Ugandans to join the NRA rebel group in early 1980s.
His family members were arrest at night by security operatives having gotten intelligence information about the missing gun during, lost during the burial of Nadduli`s son at Busiika and the 10 people who were arrested were later released without any charge.
The Minister of State for Kampala Kabuye Kyofatogabye who addressed the media at Uganda Media Centre in Kampala on January 20 about this year`s celebrations on behalf of the Minister for Presidency re-affirmed that the NRA/NRM liberation day is still very relevant and worth celebrating.
Kabuye down played the issue of abducting people saying that it is not occurring despite some journalist asking him why it is occurring yet NRM went to bush to fight such incidences. He said that people are arrested and committed to court unlike during UPC`s regime where people would be abducted and disappear for good.
“ Ugandans should be appreciative because NRA/NRM brought peace and rule of law that is why even if a person is arrested his/her relatives can run to court and compel government to bring him/her to court and the ask for bail which was not the case with the past regime“. Minister Kabuye reasoned.
He adds: “ Uganda now produces a variety of goods and services which are not only sold to the local market but also abroad and this brings in huge foreign exchange to the country and the country`s Gross Domestic Product has grown from about 20% to 56%, poverty levels have also improved from 56% before NRM took power to 20%“.
He further said that the economy has improved and grown very well and this is evidenced in the improved social services and increase in the production of goods and services which in turn have enhance the welfare of the citizens.
The day will be commemorated on January 26, 2023 at Kakeeke play ground in Kakumiro District and President Museveni is expected to be the chief guest. Unlike in the last two years where guest were restricted to only those officially invited due to Covid 19, this time round all people who want to attend are free and 50 people are selected to receive medals
By George Bukenya
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