NRM Liberation Day: As it happened
Jan 26, 2018
Follow the latest updates from Boma grounds in Arua as Uganda celebrates Liberation Day.
NRM LIBERATION DAY
ARUA - Ugandans congregated at Boma grounds in Arua town today to celebrate 32 years since the National Resistance Army (NRA), led by Yoweri Museveni, now President, came to power.
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Presented by Joseph Kizza
2.45pm: AWARDING OF MEDALS
Gen. Elly Tumwine, who heads the medal-awarding committee, takes to the podium to call out the names of the people, both military and civilian, who are listed to receive medals of various categories.
The medals include the Rwenzori Star, Masaba Star, Luwero Triangle Medal, Nalubaale Medal, Golden Jubilee Medal.
Those being called, and are around are walking up to receive their medals plus a handshake with President Museveni.
2.35pm: Museveni calls for discipline
In his speech, the President has urged Ugandans to be discplined, especially on the roads.
He says the lack of discipline has hurt the tourism industry of Uganda.
Museveni has directed the Police to enforce the "proper road code".
He has also urged Ugandans to make their own products, such as mobile phones, TVs and textiles.
"We are creating jobs for the children of other people," the President says, while illustrating how much Ugandans are importing as opposed to make their own stuff.
"We have a lot of wealth," Museveni says.
"We have a plan to transform this wealth into ours."
Details of the speech coming up in FULL STORY HERE
1.40pm: PRESIDENT ADDRESSES GUESTS
President Yoweri Museveni takes to the mic for his address. He particularly thanks the people of Arua for "turning up in big numbers".
1.20pm: Groups march on
1.10pm: In Mubende
Meanwhile, while the focal lens is on Arua, Liberation Day celebrations are also taking place in Mubende at Kibalibga sub-county headqurters.
12.55pm: Synchronised
12.45pm: Synchronised
Prisons officers doing their thing . . .
12.34pm: Synchronised
Members of the UPDF, Police, Prisons and wildlife are leading the march past. Several other groups will be represented.
12.25pm: A day of memories
The NRA launched a guerrilla war in 1981 following the disputed elections in the previous year. It ended on January 26, 1986, with the NRA taking power from the Uganda National Liberation Army.
12.18pm: March past
Once the prayers are done, guests are told it is time for the march past.
The security forces are marching past in admirable synchronisation.
12.10pm: PRAYER TIME
Among the religious leaders that take to the podium to lead prayers is Rt Rev. Sabino Odoki, the bishop of Arua diocese.
The Mufti of Uganda, Sheikh Shaban Mubajje, is represented by the Arua district kadhi.
11.57am: Parade inspection
After the anthems are sung, the President climbs atop his vehicle and inspects the guard of honour. It is a warm Friday in Arua.
11.55am: West Nile supported struggle
The Liberation Day is marked in a different district each year. NRM said Arua was chosen to host the celebration this year because of the support the people of West Nile rendered to the liberation struggle.
11.50am: Celebrations in high gear
President Museveni, the chairman of the National Resistance Movement (NRM), waves to the crowds as he makes his way to the grounds. Soon after, he climbs onto the low podium, assumes an attention-pose and the national and East African anthems are played.
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11.45am: PRESIDENT MUSEVENI ARRIVES The arrival everyone has been waiting for. President Yoweri Museveni, the chief guest has arrived at Boma grounds, which is already packed with guests. 
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11.25am: Speaker, Prime Minister in Arua
The Speaker of Parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, is around . . .
. . . as is Prime Minister Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda (extreme right)
11.06am: Present and future
The Liberation Day is being marked under the theme: Uganda’s liberation significant contribution to our present and future development
10.50am: VP SSEKANDI IS HERE
Vice President Edward Kiwanuka Ssekandi is also in the house . . .
10.40am: MP ABIRIGA HAS ARRIVED!
Arua Municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga is at Boma grounds clad in an all-yellow attire.
10.30am: A cultural feel
An Alur cultural group presenting a traditional dance to the guests
10.25am: Journalist Basudde played a role
Meanwhile, New Vision senior reporters Moses Mulondo (left) and David Lumu have congratulated their colleague Elvis Basudde Kyeyune (centre) for participating in the struggle that brought the NRA to power 32 years ago.
Basudde (wearing glasses) and other Ugandans during the peace talks in Nairobi in 1985. He was also part of the press unit of the NRM team for the propaganda newsletter and part of the first ever Nairobi peace talks.
10.20am: More arrivals
Bishop Charles Collins Andaku of Madi and West Nile diocese and the Arua district khadi have taken their seats.
Meanwhile, the Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. David Muhoozi has also set foot at Boma grounds.
9.50am: Arrivals
The First Deputy Prime Minister, Gen. Moses Ali, is at the venue.
9.45am: Songs
NRM supporters presenting a welcome song at the venue.
9.30am: All is set
Abdulrahmam, the owner of Nile Coach Bus company, is one of those to receive a medal.
9.20am: UPDF band leads parade team
The UPDF band leading the parade team. As many as 200 Ugandans will receive medals of different categories in recognition of the roles they played in the “liberation” and transformation of the country.