President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander in Chief of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has praised General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), for introducing innovative reforms to the command of the national parade.
During the 62nd Independence Day celebrations, held at Busikho Primary Teachers’ College in Busia District, the President lauded Muhoozi’s leadership for implementing significant changes that enhanced the efficiency and comfort of the armed forces during the event.
The celebration, themed “A Recommitment to Secure and Fortify Our Destiny,” marked a clear departure from long-standing military traditions.
One of the most notable changes was allowing members of the armed forces, who traditionally had to stand throughout the ceremony, to be dismissed after the national anthems. This marked a departure from previous years, where the parade participants, including UPDF, Police, Prisons, Uganda Wildlife Authority (UWA), and Special Forces Command (SFC), would remain in position for long periods despite often harsh weather conditions.
The reforms, overseen by CDF Muhoozi, were first observed when Colonel Deo Akiiki, Deputy Defence Spokesperson, commanded the parade to be at ease after the anthems, signaling an end to the display earlier than usual. His command, “Mwili legeza, Mheshimiwa Rais, huo ndio mwisho wa gwaride,” which translates to “At ease, Your Excellency, that is the end of the parade,” signaled a new approach to these national events.
In his address, President Museveni acknowledged these changes, stating, “I want to thank the army for the new arrangement of the parade and thank Gen. Muhoozi, the CDF. You do not have to keep on the ground, that was a system from our brothers, but I am happy we have started our own.
The parade doesn’t have to keep standing.” Museveni’s comments suggest that these reforms could be the beginning of a shift in how military parades are conducted during national events, prioritizing the well-being of the officers involved.
Furthermore, the President used the opportunity to send a message to Members of Parliament (MPs), urging them to take inspiration from Muhoozi’s practical reforms. He criticized the MPs for spending too much time engaging in unproductive discussions. “I hope our MPs can borrow a leaf from General Muhoozi and not waste time talking about nothing,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for efficiency and focus in leadership.
The event concluded with the band performing the national anthems, followed by the departure of President Museveni and his Central African Republic counterpart, President Faustin-Archange Touadéra, signaling the end of a significantly streamlined Independence Day celebration.