Uganda, May 21 -- The 17th of May marked the signing of the Norwegian Constitution. This year's celebration also marked 60 years of friendship and cooperation between Norway and Uganda.

When our constitution was signed in 1814, Norway had been a part of Denmark for almost 300 years, under the rule of the king in Copenhagen. In 1814, Denmark was on the losing side in Napoleon's wars. Norway was supposed to be handed over to Sweden as spoils of war. Norwegians said no, and during April 1814 members of the Norwegian elite drafted the constitution, which was signed on the 17th of May.

A huge step towards sovereignty. But we remained in a union with Sweden until 1905, when we gained full independence.

The dissolution of the union was contro...