My comment is directed at those that want to make us think that AM Obote may have made the British rethink their continued stay in the country that came to be called Uganda, in probably the same sense as Frelimo or IMPLA smoked the Portuguese out of Lusophone Africa. It is harmful self-deception to portray AM Obote as a Machel, Cabral or Neto.
Rubin Byaruhanga told members of UAH that that 1961 was the year for the British to quit East Africa territories but for Uganda, pro-Protestant skulldaggery had to first come into full play: Ben Kiwanuka was not acceptable as a future leader of Uganda necessitating a shopping trip for the most clamorous protestant on the block. This was indeed after the 1961 elections which saw DP gaining 43 Legco seats while UPC 35 had a mere 35 seats.
Lance Corporal (Rtd) Otto Patrick
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I heard former President of Tanzania, Julius K. Nyerere (RIP) saying that Kenya, Uganda and Tanganyika were supposed to be declared independent at the same time, in 1961. However, the Kenyans had not resolved their differences and that took too long for the Tanganyikans to wait. As for Uganda which was ready at any given time, there were some ”inexplicable” problems among the Ugandans that had also to be resolved. Many people say that the victory in the Ugandan Elections by the ”Catholic” Democratic Party that brought Mr. Benedicto Kiwanuka to power as Prime Minister, was in fact the cause for the delay in declaring Uganda independent. The British seemed to prefer a non Catholic and that’s why Uganda’s independence was delayed. The Tanganyikans insisted that if Kenya and Uganda were not ready, they should be given their independence. In December the same year, 1961 Tanganyika gained her Independence.
Due Respect and Recognition for the Hoisting of the Flag of the Independent Uganda is Vital for Historical purpose.
Comments
It’s always a misconception that the British or any of the country with colonial rule gave us independence, the proper word for it is “Self Determination” The UN Charter states that all country have the right to self determination, to manage their territory and resources.
The conditions of joining the United Nations was that countries had to give up their rights to rule another territory. The UK by joining the UN had no choice but to give up any rights over Uganda or any other territories that they have occupied.
Therefore, you’re right in saying that with or without Obote, Uganda would have had her independence.