'We are born here and must love Uganda'

By Gerald Tenywa and Norman Katende

Nandala Mafabi, leader of opposition
We were all born here and we must love our country. God has blessed us with a beautiful environment although people destroy it everyday.
We also have different cultures but people are living in harmony. However, politics is dividing us.

I have seen Uganda through three perspectives. I have seen foreigners tearing after seeing the beauty of the country yet the people are living in poverty. I have also travelled out Uganda and there is no country that is as beautiful as Uganda-the weather, the lakes, rivers, mountains, birds. And if you want to experience winter we can take you to the mountains, Elgon and Rwenzori and if you want summer, we take you to northern Uganda. It is also hospital unlike other countries.


Oweyeha Afunaaduula,retired lecturer
I witnessed Uganda being declared independent in 1962. That is the only thing that makes me proud. I have also seen Ugandans disappearing and I cannot say I am as proud as I was in 1962.

Amos Wekesa, from Uganda Tour Operators
I have seen foreigners crying after seeing the beauty of the country. I have also travelled out of Uganda and there is no country as beautiful as Uganda. It is also hospitable unlike other countries.

Mayanja Nkangi, chairperson Uganda Land Commission
Uganda is independent of the former colonial powers. It is also peaceful. The people are hospitable despite our differences in religion and tribe. I can see the spirit of patriotism growing.

Birahwa Mukitale, MP Bulisa
Uganda is the Pearl of Africa. It is gifted by nature because of the rich flora and fauna and the great lakes. Politically, we have a lot of freedom but we have failed to harness cultural and faith-based institutions to deliver services to the people.

Sylvia Namutebi, Miss Uganda 2011
It gives a sense of belonging. When I travel all over the world, I feel I belong to Uganda. The traditions and cultures are unique.

Godber Tumushabe, executive director of ACODE
Uganda is a beautiful country. It is rich in natural resources and the people are hospitable.

Naome Karekaho, public relations officer NEMA
Uganda is endowed with natural resources. The country is green and beautiful with plenty of organic food. I am proud to be Ugandan.

Teopista Mugomba, Ndeeba resident
Thank God for the celebration but the situation in the country is not good. We are suffering. There is insecurity, poverty and inflation in the country.

Mariam Ndagire, musician
Uganda is a sunshine. It is one of the few countries where you can  get fresh food that is not genetically modified. You can live healthy in Uganda

Mathias Mpuuga, MP Masaka Municipality
The fact that there is freedom for me to be able to raise my voice and make my country a better place to live in. I can be able to make a contribution to make the country a better place to live in.


Ibrahim Ssemujju,Kyadondo East MP
The self-determination to rule ourselves makes me proud to be a Ugandan though this is undermined to an extent. But it exists.

Sophie Gombya, Musician
It is an interesting country. The rich are very rich, the poor are very poor but everyone is comfortable with this lifestyle. People try to live in their means and that is great. It is quite difficult to find it anywhere else.

Dick Kasolo, press secretary to Kabaka Ronald Mutebi
I am proud to be a Muganda and to serve the Kabaka.


Jackie Namuganzi, Businesswoman, Kampala
We are still behind to celebrate 50 years. Our country lags behind in infrastructure. I do not know what we are going to celebrate.