Museveni receives Col Samson Mande at Kololo

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"I'm back home in Uganda, nobody shall be surprised, but I'm here. I'm a founder member of the NRM,” Col Samson Mande, a former commander during the 1981-86 bush war, declared earlier today in Kampala.

The 61-year-old UPDF officer was speaking to huge crowds at Kololo Independence Grounds during the 63rd national independence celebrations.

Mande, a senior Amy officer (RO 69), was introduced to the gathering by President Yoweri Museveni, who is also the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda People's Defence Forces.

Guests included: senior security officers, cabinet ministers, heads of Government agencies and diplomats. The events were relayed live on all Uganda's broadcast channels and social media sites.

In the middle of his speech, Gen. Museveni, while talking about reconciliation, paused and announced the presence of Col Mande, who fled into exile between 2001- 2002.

He asked the State House aides to lead the UPDF officer to the podium, where he announced his plans.

Museveni later ordered a special seat for Mande, who was then led to the VIP tent where he sat next to Major General (retired) Jim Muhwezi, the minister of security.

Col Mande having a light moment with Major General (retired) Jim Muhwezi, the minister of security. (PPU)

Col Samson Mande, a former commander during the 1981-86 bush war. (PPU)

Col Mande's 2.5-minute speech in full:

Your Excellency Sir, Mama Janet Museveni, leaders, ambassadors and high commissioners representing your nations.

My commander, the CDF, Kainerugaba Muhoozi, brothers and sisters of UPDF.

I'm back home. Here in Uganda, I have two homes. The first home is my country. I'm in my home.

Nobody shall be surprised, but I'm here. The second home is the NRM. I'm a founder member of the NRM.

NRM was born by us. It is in me. It will remain in me until death puts us asunder.

Somebody who has the Bible should read 1 Corinthians 13:11.

When I was a child, I thought like a child. I behaved like a child. I acted like a child.

But now I'm grown and I know that the magnanimous heart of our leader, our dear leader, President Museveni, would accept my change of behaviour.

Thank you very much for accepting me back into my home.

I'm home to stay. I'm home to contribute to the development I have had and that I have seen.

I went when I was bitter, but now I am better, and I'm loaded with solutions.

I will not look in the past. I don't live in the past tense.

I am looking forward to contributing to national development.

Thank you very much. Thank you very much. Thank you.