Today in History: Duke of Kent Arrives in Uganda Ahead of Independence

What the report says

Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, and his wife Katharine arrived at Entebbe Airport on October 7, 1962, for official duties tied to Uganda’s move from British rule to independence. According to Nile Post, the couple traveled aboard a BOAC Bristol Britannia aircraft and were in Uganda to represent Queen Elizabeth II during the final days before the country’s independence ceremony.

The airport welcome included Prime Minister Milton Obote, Governor Sir Walter Coutts and Kabaka of Buganda Sir Edward Mutesa II. The Duke, wearing military uniform, received a ceremonial salute from the Uganda Rifles. After the reception, the royal pair went on to Government House in Entebbe, now State House, as crowds and decorated roads reflected the anticipation building ahead of independence.

The article places the visit in the context of Uganda’s transition after nearly seven decades as a British protectorate. Nile Post reports that the formal independence celebrations culminated at midnight between October 8 and 9, when the Union Jack was lowered and Uganda’s flag was raised for the first time. On October 9, the Duke delivered a message from Queen Elizabeth II and handed over the instruments of independence to Obote, before opening the first Parliament of independent Uganda on October 10.