Babalanda Says Uganda’s Independence Struggle Has Entered Second Phase of Economic Freedom

What the report says

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda said Uganda’s independence journey should now be seen as moving into a second phase focused on economic freedom. Speaking at Uganda’s 64th Independence Day celebrations at State House, Entebbe, on Friday, October 9, 2026, she argued that political liberation from British colonial rule in 1962 must be matched by stronger domestic production, industrialisation, value addition and job creation.

Babalanda said Uganda should reduce reliance on imported manufactured goods and instead expand local manufacturing in areas such as sugar, soap, steel, cement, pharmaceuticals and processed foods. She framed this as part of a broader effort to retain more value from the country’s natural resources, strengthen competitiveness and create more opportunities for young people. She also linked economic progress to the need to fight corruption and build institutions that serve citizens efficiently.

The minister placed her comments within Uganda’s historical struggle for self-rule, recalling the sacrifices of early nationalists and resistance figures. She noted that independence was not won easily and said the country now has a responsibility to protect those gains while addressing present-day economic challenges.

Nile Post reported that her remarks reflected the government’s long-standing emphasis on industrialisation as a path to greater sovereignty. In general, Uganda’s economy has continued to rely heavily on agriculture and raw materials, making value addition and manufacturing central policy goals for many years.