Uganda's President Yoweri Museveni inspects a parade during celebrations to the country's 50th anniversary since gaining independence from British rule in the capital of Kampala Oct 9, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]

KAMPALA - Thousands of Ugandans on Tuesday thronged Kololo Ceremonial Grounds in the capital Kampala to mark the country's 50 years of independence from British colonial rule.

The colorful ceremony was attended by over 10 African heads of state among other foreign dignitaries from China, Britain and Italy.

Speaking at the event, Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni said that although the first four decades of the post colonial era were marked with civil conflict, government has now identified the major bottlenecks to the country's economic development.

"We are working to transform Uganda by relying on agriculture, hydropower, manufacturing, tourism and our human resource; with oil and other minerals which we found recently, it makes our work much easier," he said.

The ceremony was held under the theme "A 50 year journey since independence 1962-2012: A good foundation for social and economic transformation".

Uganda attained independence on Oct 9, 1962 after 68 years of British colonial rule.

Ugandan policemen march during celebrations to mark the country's 50th anniversary since gaining independence from the British rule in capital Kampala October 9, 2012. [Photo/Agencies]