Uganda marked its 39th Victory Day on Sunday, commemorating the National Resistance Movement (NRM) and its armed wing, the National Resistance Army (NRA), taking power in 1986 after a five-year guerrilla war.
President Yoweri Museveni presided over the celebrations at Mubende National Teachers College Grounds, themed "39 Years of NRM/A: Salutations to Those Who Re-sanctified Our Homeland."
In his address, Museveni saluted those who contributed to the victory and subsequent socio-economic development, emphasizing Uganda’s stability, peace, and accelerating growth. He outlined plans to focus on wealth creation, economic diversification, value addition, and the knowledge economy.
"Our five-stage recovery plan revitalized industries like coffee and tea, boosting production significantly. We also diversified our economy by turning maize into a lucrative export and fostering growth in the milk and textile sectors. Recognizing the need for a knowledge-based economy, we are now driving innovation in manufacturing and vaccine development," he wrote on X.
During the event, 61 distinguished public servants were awarded medals for their excellence in organizing the Non-Alignment Movement and Group of 77+China summits in Kampala last year, which elevated Uganda’s global standing. Hundreds of dignitaries, including foreign diplomats, ruling party members, and supporters, attended the celebrations.