I still recall the

day’s celebrations in 1962

 

P. Sekibule

Born around early 1958, I recall independence celebrations at my home district of Mubende at the age of four. Madudu village lies west of Mubende town. It has a trading centre, Ngabano with about 10-15 shops and a few shops then served the whole sub-county.

I was born in a big family. My father A. Sekayombya owned a very big radio which used a battery. People would converge in our home in the evenings to listen to news.

A few days to Indepencence celebrations, announcements were made, although I did not understand what it was all about. My father owned two big lorries, a British made Austin, a pick-up and a very big motor cycle. These vehicles served almost two counties Buwekula and Bugangaizi.

On Independence eve people drunk and danced the whole night. Bitamale, an elderly friend of mine, had just come back from Burma where he served as a museveni (soldier) during World War II.

He told me my father would be going to Mubende for the celebrations and that I should be ready to go with him. On october 9, 1962 all the vehicles were ready. Nassan the driver got on the steering wheel. Grahamuli, the tonne boy went in front of the vehicle with a hand roller, (those days cars would not start by ignition). He rolled and rolled for about 20 minutes and eventually the vehicle started. Everybody, was happy.

Nassan the driver, who wore long Khaki trousers and no shoes went to Kikoma Junior, 10 miles to collect students. It was the only Junior seconday school in the whole district by Independence. Students were to come with the school band to celebrate in Mubende town.

Within 40 minutes they had arrived, smartly dressed in white shirts and khaki shorts. The girls wore grey skirts and white blouses. All were bare footed like our driver Nassan.

I boarded the Pick-up with my brother Sentayi, without the knowledge of our father, only to recognise us on reaching Mubende town. He was a no nonsense man and we received some ‘independence’ slaps from him. Ani yabalese? (Who told you to come). He shouted.

The celebrations were already in gear. Students matched around the one-street town. The three Asians shops in the town, were decorated with flags and trees. A white man addressed the crowd, although I could understand what he was saying.

In the evening there was a football match between the Army and a nearby technical school. The barracks had just been built along Fortportal Road. The young boys beat the soldiers 2 – Nil. The referee stood in the corner of the pitch and after the match, he took off. The soldiers started beating up people. There was chaos all over.

It was already 7.00pm. I could not find my canvas shoes and father was waiting for us. Again he gave us some beatings. Why are you delaying us? Father shouted. Where are the shoes?

We boarded our British-made truck and off we left for Madudu.

In the morning of October 10, we felt like heroes, after our independence.

The writer is a businessman