Uganda gained its independence from Great Britain on October 9, 1962. Today is the 54th anniversary of that day! Some Ugandans are surprised to realize that independence from Great Britain is something they and Americans have in common. In America, we celebrate our Independence Day by shooting off fireworks with friends, family, and food. We sing songs and remember those who died for our freedom. Although Uganda does not typically shoot of fireworks, they have the three big factors of any big celebration: friends, family, and FOOD!
Unfortunately for chickens, chicken is one of the main meats during this meal. Meat in general is something that many Ugandan families tend to splurge for when they are celebrating. Other foods tend to be kalo (millet bread), matooke (mashed plantains), sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, dodo (a local green vegetable), gnut sauce, etc. Different foods are found in different amounts across the country, so that is the norm here. Some things are also cultural, like kalo, and are only really eaten in the west.
Like most holidays, Ugandans use their Independence Day to spend time with friends and family. When it is not on a Sunday, everyone takes off from work or school and spends the day relaxing. Some will go home to see family whom they have not seen in a long time, and others will eat with their friends around where they live if they are not near family. Unlike Christmas, Ugandan Independence Day is not a day where people are expected to go to church, except when it’s on a Sunday like this year.
There are big celebrations in Kampala where many, many people join together to sing and dance to celebrate. Some of the other big towns have these types of celebrations as well. Although I have not been able to attend one of these, I have still enjoyed the day. I even got to have two celebrations meals, one last night and one just now at lunch! It has been so good to enjoy another country’s independence.
Unfortunately for chickens, chicken is one of the main meats during this meal. Meat in general is something that many Ugandan families tend to splurge for when they are celebrating. Other foods tend to be kalo (millet bread), matooke (mashed plantains), sweet potatoes, Irish potatoes, dodo (a local green vegetable), gnut sauce, etc. Different foods are found in different amounts across the country, so that is the norm here. Some things are also cultural, like kalo, and are only really eaten in the west.
Like most holidays, Ugandans use their Independence Day to spend time with friends and family. When it is not on a Sunday, everyone takes off from work or school and spends the day relaxing. Some will go home to see family whom they have not seen in a long time, and others will eat with their friends around where they live if they are not near family. Unlike Christmas, Ugandan Independence Day is not a day where people are expected to go to church, except when it’s on a Sunday like this year.
There are big celebrations in Kampala where many, many people join together to sing and dance to celebrate. Some of the other big towns have these types of celebrations as well. Although I have not been able to attend one of these, I have still enjoyed the day. I even got to have two celebrations meals, one last night and one just now at lunch! It has been so good to enjoy another country’s independence.
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