Independence: UPC leaders demand recognition

Tororo- Leaders of the Opposition Uganda People’s Congress in Tororo District Tuesday asked the ruling National Resistance Movement government to recognise their party for leading the country to independence under the leadership of the former president Milton Obote.

Speaking during the 56th anniversary of independence celebrations at King George Memorial Stadium in Tororo, the leaders said the struggle to attain independence was not as easy as it’s considered by some Ugandans.

The concerned leaders through the chairperson of the Women Council in the district, Ms Yedida Padde, appealed to the ruling government to be honest and give credit to UPC for its role in ending colonialism.

She said it’s sad that the NRM government is busy giving out medals to “even cooks” but has never bothered to recognise those who fought for independence.

‘’It’s unfair for government to be seen awarding medals to even cooks leaving out historical leaders who fought for independence. Much as you are in power, records show that UPC led the country to independence and it should respected,’’ she said.

‘’All of us once belonged to UPC or DP and formed NRM. Therefore, it’s only a fool that will never remember where she or he came from,’’ Ms Padde said.

The State Minister for Health, Ms Sarah Achieng Opendi commended the UPC leaders for raising their concerns saying the government has not forgotten about them.