By Julius Mugaga Tukacungurwa/ Umoja Standard.
Kampala, Uganda: Under the vibrant lights of the Sheraton Hotel in Kampala, the rhythmic beats of Burundi’s traditional drums reverberated through the air, captivating the hearts of esteemed guests and celebrating the nation’s 63rd Independence Anniversary on Tuesday 1st July, 2025.
The night was a kaleidoscope of color and movement, as beautiful Burundi local dances took center stage, showcasing the country’s rich cultural heritage.
Notable diplomats, Ambassadors, Burundians in Uganda, and friends of Burundi gathered to commemorate this momentous occasion, hosted by the Burundi Ambassador to Uganda, Brig. Gen. Jules Ndihokubwayo.
As the drums pulsed and the dancers spun, the room was electrified with a sense of pride, unity, and joy, paying tribute to Burundi’s enduring spirit and its people’s unwavering resilience.
Burundi’s journey since independence in 1962 has been marked by significant progress and resilience. The country has made strides in various spheres, including politics, economy, social development, culture, technology, and innovation. Burundi has transitioned from a monarchy to a republic, with efforts to strengthen democratic institutions and promote national unity. The country has also experienced economic growth, driven by investments in agriculture, mining, and infrastructure.
Socially, Burundi has expanded access to education and healthcare, improving living standards and reducing poverty. The country has preserved its rich cultural heritage, promoting traditional music and dance, and fostering community development. In the realm of technology and innovation, Burundi has leveraged mobile technology to improve access to services and drive innovation, and established innovation hubs to support startups and entrepreneurs.
Today, Burundi is a nation on the move, with a growing economy, improved living standards, and a strong sense of national identity.
Brig. Gen. Jules Ndihokubwayo, Burundi Ambassador to Uganda, commenced the 63rd Independence celebrations speech by invoking divine grace and peace upon the gathering at Sheraton Hotel, Kampala, envisioning the event as a miniature Bujumbura.
He expressed gratitude for the guests’attendance, reflecting its significance as a testament to the strong friendships the Burundian embassy enjoys.
The ambassador highlighted the theme of self-reliance interwoven with partnerships, marking his second celebration since assuming his role. He acknowledged Uganda’s government for delegating the guest of honor, Ambassador Mohammed Ahmed, and extended appreciation to all attendees.
Ndihokubwayo then painted a vivid picture of Burundi, a mineral-rich land blessed with gold, lithium, rare earth, and substantial nickel reserves, as well as abundant clean water and tourist attractions like the source of the Nile and beaches of Lake Tanganyika.
Turning to economic developments, he announced advancements in nickel exploration through a joint agreement to finance a standard gauge railway connecting to Tanzania’s network, ultimately linking Burundi to both the Indian and Atlantic Oceans.
Emphasizing the vision for Burundi’s emergence by 2040 and development by 2060, he outlined investments in hydroelectric power, citing the inauguration of several power stations aimed at industrialization and commercialization, seeing this as a key to the country’s economic vision.
He touched on Burundi’s commitment to democratic governance, referencing the peaceful and transparent general elections of 2025 and future presidential elections.
Ndihokubwayo also addressed the influx of refugees from the DRC due to armed conflicts, reaffirming Burundi’s dedication to peaceful relations, dispute resolution, and adherence to the UN Charter.
He celebrated the enduring cordial relations between Uganda and Burundi, dating back to the 1920s, highlighting Uganda’s role in alleviating sugar shortages and Burundi’s potential as a maize supplier as well as handing over the presidency of regional oversight mechanism of peace and security and cooperation framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region.
Representing the Minister of Internal Affairs, Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Kisule, Senior Presidential Advisor, conveyed heartfelt congratulations to the government and people of the Republic of Burundi on this auspicious occasion.
He remarked that this day marked a moment of profound pride, reflection, and renewal, not only for Burundi but for the entire region, reflecting the shared commitment to upholding sovereignty, unity, and self-determination.
Dr. Kisule emphasized the cordial and enduring bilateral relations between Uganda and Burundi, rooted in common history, cultural affinities, and mutual aspirations, evidenced by reciprocal diplomatic representation and President Evariste Ndayishimiye’s recent visit for the 12th High-Level Regional Oversight Mechanism meeting, highlighting Burundi’s dedication to regional solidarity and peace.
He noted flourishing cooperation through structured frameworks like the Joint Permanent Commission and various Memoranda of Understanding, including a recently signed military cooperation agreement.
Tangible progress was acknowledged in education, capacity building, and knowledge exchange, with ongoing training between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces and the Burundi National Defence Forces, alongside Uganda’s academic institutions supporting human capital development and regional integration.
Dr. Kisule affirmed both nations’ Pan-Africanism and sustained collaboration within multilateral frameworks such as the East African Community, ICGLR, and the African Union, citing their joint contributions to peace missions like AMISOM/ATMIS and EACRF in the DRC as testaments to continental peace and stability.
He further extended congratulations on Burundi’s successful legislative and local elections on June 5, 2025, expressing hope for the equally successful senatorial election on July 25, 2025.
Dr. Kisule also reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation, eagerly anticipating new areas of collaboration in trade, investment, infrastructure development, youth employment, and other critical sectors vital for the socio-economic transformation of both nations.
As the night drew to a close, Burundi’s 63rd Independence Anniversary celebrations in Kampala shone brightly, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural heritage, economic potential, and strong diplomatic ties.