Uganda's Independence Declaration
Apollo Milton Obote
Prime Minister of Uganda (1962–1966, 1980–1985)
English · 22 min
Open on YouTubeAbout This Speech
On 9 October 1962, Apollo Milton Obote stood before a jubilant crowd at Kololo Independence Grounds and declared Uganda's independence from British colonial rule. The Union Jack was lowered and the black, yellow, and red flag of Uganda rose for the first time as a sovereign nation.
Obote's speech wove together themes of national unity, African dignity, and economic self-determination. He called on Ugandans to transcend the ethnic and regional divisions that the colonial administration had exploited, and to see themselves first and foremost as Ugandans.
This speech is a founding document of the Ugandan nation — the moment a diverse collection of kingdoms, chiefdoms, and peoples formally became one independent state. It set the aspirations that subsequent governments, for better or worse, would be measured against.
Discussion
(4)This speech gave me chills. The line about 'fundamental change' is still relevant today. We need leaders who think beyond elections.
I was there at Kololo that day. The energy was indescribable. A generation that had survived so much finally had hope.
Thank you for sharing this. These living memories are exactly why this archive matters.
It's important we teach these speeches in schools. Our children need to know this history.
About the Speaker
Apollo Milton Obote
Prime Minister of Uganda (1962–1966, 1980–1985)
Apollo Milton Obote was Uganda's first Prime Minister and later President. Born in 1925 in Lango, he led Uganda to independence from Britain on 9 October 1962 and founded the Uganda People's Congress (UPC). His two terms in office were marked by both nation-building efforts and significant political repression.
Date
9 October 1962
Venue
Kololo Independence Grounds
Kampala
Language
English