The Uganda People’s Congress (UPC) has expressed concern over what it calls the shrinking democratic space in Uganda, saying the country’s current political environment undermines the very ideals on which independence was founded.
In a statement issued ahead of Uganda’s 63rd Independence Anniversary, party spokesperson Sharon Arach Oyat said Uganda’s democracy has regressed, noting that the Electoral Commission had blocked UPC from fielding a presidential candidate for the 2026 elections despite early preparations.
“This is a national tragedy and a reversal of the independence spirit that was anchored on democracy, competitive politics, and fair play,” Oyat said.
Uganda will celebrate 63 years of independence on Thursday, October 9, 2025, under the theme “63 Years of Independence: A Reason to Double Our Efforts in Sustaining a United and Great Nation.”
UPC said the theme should inspire renewed commitment to national unity and development but lamented that the ruling government continues to restrict political competition and civic freedoms.
“Uganda at 63 is on a totally different path that needs serious reflection and rethinking,” the statement added. “The refusal to nominate presidential candidates is unfair, undemocratic, and undermines the spirit of our struggles for independence.”
The party, which received the instruments of independence in 1962 under the leadership of Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, said it had featured in all multiparty elections except in 2016 and 2021, when it chose to focus on grassroots mobilisation as part of rebuilding efforts.
Citing Dr. Obote’s 1969 Independence address, UPC urged Ugandans to recommit to principles of equality, education, and economic empowerment.
The party said the country has failed to live up to those ideals due to persistent governance and development challenges.
“Our people are struggling with land conflicts, collapsing schools, poor pay for urban workers, and the loss of key national institutions through privatization,” Oyat noted.
She added that Uganda’s domestic economy has been weakened by the loss of once-thriving public enterprises such as Uganda Commercial Bank, Cooperative Unions, and Marketing Boards, leaving citizens with limited control over the country’s economic destiny.
UPC called on the government to uphold the rule of law, respect civil servants’ rights, and address social inequalities rather than intimidate workers demanding fair treatment.
The party also announced that a memorial service in honor of Dr. Apollo Milton Obote, Uganda’s founding Prime Minister and former President, will be held on Friday, October 10, 2025, in Akokoro, Apac District. The service will celebrate his contribution to Uganda’s independence and nation-building.
“We need to double our efforts and work extra hard to make Uganda’s independence a lived reality for every citizen,” the party said.
