Retired Maj. John Kanuti Akorimo, a Ugandan soldier who hoisted the national flag when Uganda attained independence on October 9, 1962, has passed away.
Reports indicate the Kanuti died at Atutur Hospital in Kumi district at the age of 85.
Hoisting of the Uganda flag signaled the end of the colonial administration and the rise of a new independent Uganda led by indigenous natives.
On the same night, the British flag -the Union Jack was lowered and the Uganda flag flew high for the first time signalling independence.
The Prime Minister Dr. Milton Obote also received instruments of power from the colonial administrators.
In an interview with NTV a few years ago, Kanuti said he contributed much more to building the post independence army known as Uganda Army.
Being one of the most educated officers in the national army at the time, Obote consulted Kanuti on a number of issues, including giving him the responsibility to make the final decision as to who becomes the army commander – a decision that allegedly pitted him against Amin.
“‘Maj. Kanuti, you will bring down the colonial flag and hoist the Uganda flag,’ Obote told me. I felt a huge responsibility at that moment, I was tensed,” he recalled.
“I recommended Brig. Shaban Opolot (RIP) to be the army commander because he was better-educated and announced the appointments, but Amin had first to be sent on duty out of the country,” Kanuti recalls.
“I assured Obote that as long as he remained neutral and took no tribal sides, all would get on well with him. A national leader has no tribe. This is what I wished for my country.” Kanuti said during the interview.
COMING SOON: A detailed article on Maj. Kanuti’s life in and out of service.