Ugandan Independence Day

This day commemorates when Uganda gained independence from the United Kingdom in 1962. Explorer Henry Stanley discovered the country in 1875 which was divided into two kingdoms at the time. In 1888 the country came under the control of the British East Africa Company. After World War Two, native Ugandans were allowed to serve in government, and by 1955, half the members of the legislative council were Ugandans. The Ugandan Constitutional Conference was held in London in September 1961, to pave the way for independence, and at the end of it on 9th October, it officially became an independent nation. Celebrations are held throughout the country and activities are designed to promote the nation. A military parade is also held.