Burundians living in Kampala invited Ugandans and other nationals to celebrate their country’s 61st Independence Anniversary on July 1, 2023. 

Since gaining its independence on July 1, 1962, from Belgian colonisers, Burundi designated July 1 as a public holiday in honour of its Independence Day. 

While entering the Sheraton Kampala Hotel on Saturday, where the event was held, guests were welcomed and entertained by lively Burundi drummers and dancers.

Burundi dancers entertaining guests. Photos by John Odyek

Some of the dancers dressed in green attires and those drumming the traditional drums were staff from the Burundi Embassy in Kampala. The guests couldn't avoid shaking, swaying and attempting to follow some of the simple steps and patterns of the lively dance and music.

There was plenty of food and drinks to mark the day. Others took to capturing videos and photos of the dancers and themselves. Lots of food and an unlimited supply of drinks characterised the event during which the two countries toasted to the good relations that exist between Burundi and Uganda.

Guests attending celebrations to Burundi’s 61st independence anniversary celebrations at the Sheraton Hotel, Kampala.

Burundi celebrated the anniversary under the theme: Let's Dedicate our Forces to Boost our Economy in Order to Reach Full Independence and the event was graced by Uganda’s foreign affairs state minister in charge of regional co-operation, John Mulimba. 

“Burundi’s achievement of independence is a momentous occasion that marks the resilience, strength and progress of the people of Burundi. We reflect on the struggles and sacrifices of the Burundi ancestors who fought for freedom and sovereignty of that beautiful country. We come together to honour their legacy and acknowledge the achievements Burundi has made as a nation,” Mulimba said.

Burundi ambassador to Uganda Epiphanie Kabushemeye said it was not just an occasion to drink and eat, but to raise awareness, educate citizens and future generations about the independence struggles. 

“It is a good occasion to assess what we have achieved and set new objectives for developing the country,” Kabushemeye said. 

She told the guests that Burundi’s President Maj. Gen. Evariste Ndayishimiye is focused on the social economic development of the country.

Kabushemeye added that the theme of the day matched with the theme of Africa Day which was celebrated on May 25, 2023, under the theme: Acceleration of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Implementation to ensure the economic independence of Africa.

A recorded speech was played to the audience that was delivered by Prince Louis Rwagasore on September 19, 1961, the day after the victory of his party, the Union for National Progress for the legislative assembly elections said that the losers and winners of the elections were all Burundians. He said that without strong leaders, a country cannot have order, peace, progress and tranquillity.

He asked God to guide the leaders of Burundi and promised that they would serve all the residents and the people of Burundi. He noted that an election victory for a party was a victory for the entire country as it was a sign of order, discipline and peace. 

Rwagasore was a Burundian prince and politician, who served as the second prime minister of Burundi for two weeks, from September 28, 1961, until his assassination on October 13, 1961.