Duke of Kent's Visit: A Royal Prelude to Uganda's Independence in 1962

On Sunday, October 7, 1962, Entebbe Airport buzzed with activity as Prince Edward, the Duke of Kent, and his wife, Katharine, touched down. Arriving on a BOAC Bristol Britannia, the royal couple were in Uganda to represent Queen Elizabeth II during the crucial period just before the nation’s transition to independence from British rule.

Their arrival marked the beginning of a series of official engagements designed to signify the impending transfer of power. Prime Minister Milton Obote, Governor Sir Walter Coutts, and the Kabaka of Buganda, Sir Edward Mutesa II, were among the dignitaries who welcomed the Duke and Duchess. The Duke, in full military regalia, received a royal salute from a guard of honor.

Uganda was on the cusp of independence, scheduled for October 9, 1962, after nearly seven decades as a British protectorate. The royal visit was a significant element in the formal handover process. Following the airport reception, the Kents proceeded to Government House, the precursor to modern-day State House, for further duties.

Anticipation for independence was palpable, with the road to Kampala adorned with celebratory arches and shields, drawing crowds eager to witness history. The festivities included a reception hosted by Kabaka Mutesa II at Lubiri Palace.

The pivotal moment arrived at midnight between October 8 and October 9, at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, where the Union Jack was lowered for the last time and Uganda’s own flag was unfurled. The following day, October 9, the Duke of Kent delivered a message from Queen Elizabeth II and officially handed over the instruments of independence to Prime Minister Obote, thus ushering in Uganda’s sovereignty. He capped his visit by opening the nation’s first Parliament on October 10.

This royal tour served as a significant concluding chapter to the colonial era and a symbolic opening to Uganda’s future as an independent nation, uniting the British monarchy with the new Ugandan leadership and the traditional Buganda monarchy.

Source: Nile Post