The Forum for Democratic Change has been advised to stop plans to hold parallel Independence Day celebrations.
Addressing journalists at the Media Centre today about the Independence Day celebrations, Presidency state minister Esther Mbayo said only government reserves the right to organise the day and all other national festivities.
According to the FDC, there will be Independence Day celebrations at Kira Municipality in Wakiso District on October 7 and 8 at Kawempe with the crowning celebrations on October 9 at Katwe, Kampala.
But Ms Mbayo said the government has already instructed police to deal with anyone who will attempt to organize parallel celebrations across the country.
‘I expect Ugandans to love their country, to protect their Independence as the theme for the day goes’’. Mbayo said. However, FDC party deputy secretary general Herold Kaijja said their party celebrations still stand regardless of the threats.
This year’s 54th Independence Day anniversary celebrations are set for Luuka District in Eastern Uganda under the theme, “Protection of our Independence through Promotion of Patriotism, Unity and Hard Work”.
Ms Mbayo said government chose to adopt rotational celebration to help Ugandans get a sense of inclusiveness. She said Luuka District was chosen to host this year’s event because of its historical contribution toward peace and security in Uganda, especially for stopping the Alice Lakwena insurgencies in 1987.
Source/ Samuel Ssebuliba
