The Democratic Party (DP) has asked the Government to designate March 1 each year as public holiday to commemorate self-governance of Uganda.

According to DP officials, Uganda got its self-governance rule on March 1, 1962, but just like any other country that was under colonial rule by then, colonial masters gave self-governance rule before official independence.

Therefore, DP officials suggest that the Uganda, like Kenya should commemorate the day of self-governance.

Speaking to journalists on Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at their party headquarters at City House in Kampala, the Uganda Young Democrats (UYD) president, Ismail Kirya said that the day should be celebrated in order to grow patriotism among Ugandans.

“This is the day which all Ugandans of goodwill ought to celebrate so as to portray patriotism. As DP, we are concerned that the Government has not designated the day as official public holiday,” Kirya said.

According to available history records, Britain, the then Uganda’s colonial masters, granted internal self-government to Uganda in 1961, with the first elections held on March 1, 1961.

Benedicto Kiwanuka of the Democratic Party became the first Chief Minister. Uganda maintained its Commonwealth membership. A second round of elections in April 1962 elected members to a new National Assembly.

To DP, the day for internal self-rule should be commemorated.

“We cannot rewrite history of our country. The only responsibility we have is to celebrate the day,” Kirya said.

In Kenya, self-rule day is known as “Madaraka Day” which is celebrated every year in commemoration of the day in 1963 that the East African country attained internal self-rule after being a British colony since 1920.

The day represents the achievements and celebration of progress and development made by the people of this great country.