The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has announced plans to host a special dinner to honor participants of the 62nd Uganda Independence Day parade. This gesture of appreciation follows a widely praised performance by the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) during the national celebrations for Uganda’s 62nd Independence Day held at Busikho Primary Teachers’ College grounds in Masafu town council in Busia District on October 9, 2024.
General Kainerugaba, in a statement shared on his official X (formerly Twitter) account, lauded the parade as one of the best he had witnessed in Uganda. “A beautiful parade! One of the best I have seen in Uganda. Our boys and girls looked so smart. The parade commander Col. Deo Akiiki did a great job,” he said, emphasizing that all parade commanders and participants would be invited to a celebratory event hosted by the CDF.
The dinner, expected to take place in the coming days, is part of the military’s efforts to recognize the dedication and discipline displayed by soldiers during national events.
Meanwhile, President Yoweri Museveni, had earlier praised the streamlined nature of this year’s parade, noting that it was shorter, smarter, and more efficient than in previous years.
“The soldiers completed their duties quickly and left, unlike the past where they had to stand around all day,” President Museveni remarked during his address, commending the UPDF’s organization and execution of the event.
The 62nd Independence Day celebrations in Busia District marked a significant moment for Uganda, with a grand parade that highlighted the UPDF’s role in the country’s security and progress. Various dignitaries, including regional and local leaders, attended the event, which featured performances, military displays, and a reflection on Uganda’s journey since gaining independence in 1962.