What independence means to Top 40 Under 40

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Alex Ogwal,

CEO, Sign Language for All

As a deaf person, I feel independent when communication is inclusive; when I can access services, education, and opportunities like anyone else. Independence is not just political. It’s about dignity, access, and recognition of all abilities. We must promote inclusive systems, especially in education, healthcare, and employment; so every Ugandan can thrive independently.

Mayonza Bob

Country Director, Pilgrim Centre for Reconciliation, Uganda

Independence, to me, means the dignity of belonging to a free nation where one can associate and express ideas without fear. I feel independent through my participation in shaping community life and respecting diversity while working with others towards shared goals. For all Ugandans to truly enjoy independence, we must value collaboration over competition.

Joyce Atimango

Team Lead, Trailblazers Mentoring Foundation

Independence to me means being patriotic, and it should be felt in the body and on the bank account. It is a daily call to rewrite our stories and rise with purpose. It means a girl and young woman speaking up for her right to be in school and to participate. It means a teenage mother learning a skill and starting her own business and a survivor of violence becoming a leader. I personally feel independent because I can speak, lead, and mentor girls.

Barbara Kaboha Basemera

Director at Qipads

I feel independent because through hard work and persistence, I have built my path as a woman in business, even when circumstances have not been favourable.  For Ugandans to achieve true independence, we need an economy that supports enterprise. This means fair taxation, better infrastructure, and policies that nurture innovation and job creation.

Edrine Muzaaya

Director at Muddy cleaning and fumigation services

Independence means liberation, national identity and pride in our heritage. Independence also brings responsibility and tasks us to work together towards a brighter future, building a united and prosperous nation where all Ugandans can thrive.

Angella Asiimwe

International human rights lawyer

Independence, to me, is the freedom to live with dignity, make choices without fear, and actively shape the future of our country. As a lawyer, human rights advocate, and governance enthusiast, I feel independent when I can freely use my voice to challenge injustice, influence policy reforms, and amplify the rights of women, youth, and marginalised groups. True independence is felt when every Ugandan, regardless of gender, social class, or religion, can enjoy equal access to opportunities, justice, and resources.

Gideon Mwanje

President, East Africa Law Students Association

Being independent is making decisions basing on what I believe is right. I believe we are not Independent; we must confront a painful truth. When a nation's core budget, infrastructure, and policy decisions are dependent on grants, loans, or aid, political sovereignty becomes a brittle shell. The lender inevitably dictates the terms.

Suzan Joan Khainza

Mechanical Engineer

Given the current state of affairs in Uganda, true independence remains elusive to the majority. We need systems that work for all plus quality education, timely justice and healthcare. Leaders should also put the interests of the people they serve, before their own. Independence to me is multifaceted. It is having easy access to quality education, healthcare and justice. It is the freedom to pursue my goals and dreams without being stifled by an unfair environment. The freedom to express myself freely without the fear of being punished for my opinions.

Patricia Magoba

Founder, Lolo Treats Company

To me, independence is the freedom to make choices, pursue opportunities, and live with dignity and responsibility. I feel independent because I can make informed decisions, support myself, and contribute to the well-being of others. For all Ugandans to truly achieve independence, we must ensure equal access to education, fair economic opportunities, and justice. Focus should be put on empowering women and equipping individuals with skills, resources, and opportunities.

Nargis Shirazi Baguma

Founder, Organic Secrets

Independence is a celebration of freedom and pursuit of happiness. Happiness is key for me in all spheres of life from business to raising a family. I believe we have come a long way but still have a longer journey to achieve the best. Masses need a mindset shift and challenge negative cultural beliefs that hinder progress.

Andrew Alikuluya

President, Uganda Professional Chefs Union

I feel independent because I have freedom to pursue my interests without external constraints. I can also express myself authentically and make choices that reflect my values and personality. This independence has given me a sense of accomplishment, confidence and self-reliance.

Elvis Kadhama

Co-founder, Essymart Africa

As an entrepreneur, Independence means having freedom to make decisions, take risks and shape my business vision without reliance on others. I feel independent because I have the ability to innovate, control my destiny and create value while being accountable for the outcomes.

Rose Mary Zawedde

CEO, Start Young Prosper Young

Independence to me means having the freedom to express my thoughts, feelings, and potential without suffocation. It is about authenticity: the courage to be true to myself and my principles even when others think they know what’s best for me. It is freedom from fear, from pretense, and from the weight of other people’s judgments. To achieve true independence for all, we must; Cultivate self-awareness, promote mental well-being, and empower through education.

Christopher Seezi Tigaiza

Co-founder, Embago Coffee

I feel independent because I have overcome many tribulations, and I remain spiritually strong. Ugandans should engage in entrepreneurship to be independent. They should also maximise all government programs, all while anchoring their lives in God.

Moses Serwadda

Director, Uganda Federation of the hard of hearing

I feel independent because I make decisions based on my own convictions rather than external pressure. I am responsible for my motivations. I also create plans to achieve them amidst challenges. Government being the primary enabler of this enjoyment, it should ensure good service delivery geared towards nation-building.

Dr. Victoria Ndyanabangi

Public health specialist

For me, independence is about responsibility and accountability. It signifies the freedom to act autonomously while fully owning the consequences of my decisions, even when outcomes are unfavourable. I feel relatively independent because I can plan and implement most decisions concerning my personal goals, family responsibilities, and professional tasks without constant supervision.

Teacher Peter Okware

Director, Teachers in Need (TIN)

I feel independent because I have a right to make personal choices, provided they do not harm others. I can also start a project without restrictions. For all Ugandans to truly enjoy independence, our education system must shift to solution based education that equips learners with practical skills and innovations.

Mary Nalubega

Tax Transparency Standards trainer

Government announced a three-year tax exemption for start-ups established after July 1, 2025. Such initiatives, if implemented effectively, can help citizens to achieve genuine independence, which for me has two dimensions. On a micro level, Independence means being able to sustain myself. On a macro level, it represents a society built on sustainable and inclusive economic growth, where opportunities are fairly distributed. I feel independent because I can afford my needs, and I attribute this to God’s blessings. However, many Ugandans are not as fortunate.  We need to expand income-generating opportunities and enablers through agricultural value chains, creating reliable markets for local products and supporting innovation through start-ups.

Simpson Muhwezi

Creative writer

Independence means being in control of my choices, decisions and actions without feeling threatened. I have some relative independence, and I celebrate that freedom, because it allows me to enjoy being a Ugandan. However, I believe independence would be more meaningful if everyone could exercise their rights and freedoms without facing any barriers. As a country, we should ensure everyone has access to opportunities.

Penelope Sanyu,

Curator at Qweshunga Initiative Ltd

Independence to me means freedom in its truest sense; the ability to express myself, live fully, and thrive without restraint. I personally find that freedom through play. Qweshunga (Play) makes me feel alive, expressive and fully independent. In play, I reconnect with joy, community, and the right to simply be.  Yet, until every Ugandan has access to spaces that affirm their dignity, voice, and choices, our independence remains incomplete.

Bruce Twinomurinzi

Proprietor, Divine Construction

As a business owner, I feel independent when I set my goals, achieve them and create opportunities for myself and those around me. We must build systems that give everyone equal access to quality education, skills, and meaningful work. True independence is when every Ugandan can stand tall, make choices freely, and live with dignity.

Habiba Namiiro

Entrepreneur

My journey to independence has been tough. For years, I stayed in places that drained me, silenced my truth, and forced me to live for approval. The turning point came when I chose to walk away. That choice led me to discover my true self. Independence is not just about living, it is about peeling away layers of fear until your authentic self, shines.

Kukunda Blessing

Team Lead, Blessed Wines

Independence for me, means creating products that solve real-world problems, running my business without external interference, and continuously learning to achieve my goals. This independence allows me to drive my company forward and make a positive impact.