New Delhi, Oct 8 (IANS): President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday greeted the people of the east African country of Uganda on the eve of their independence day.

"On behalf of the government, the people of India and on my own behalf, I have great pleasure in conveying to you and to the government and the people of the Republic of Uganda, my felicitations and good wishes on the occasion of the 53rd anniversary of your Independence," Mukherjee said in a message to his Ugandan counterpart Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.

India and Uganda have traditionally shared warm and friendly relations, deeply rooted in their historical linkages and strong bilateral ties, he added.

Both countries were moving ahead together on the path of development and growth, Mukherjee said, adding: "Both our countries cherish the goals of democracy and inclusive development. The commonality of views of our two countries in various multilateral fora has further cemented our relationship.

"We look forward to continuing our multi-sectoral cooperation and further strengthening our relations in the coming years to the mutual benefit of the peoples of our two countries," he said.

Uganda got independence from Britain in October 9, 1962.