President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today reiterated his commitment to honouring Uganda’s war heroes and strengthening community security, as the nation marked Heroes Day celebrations.
During the celebrations, the President was accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni at Lyantonde Technical Institute Grounds in Kaliiro Town Council, Lyantonde District.
He praised the fighters of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and recognized the unique role played by the people of Kabula and Sembabule in supporting the liberation effort.
“I want to salute the fighters who stood firm during the resistance movement. In particular, I also want to salute the people of this area Kabula, Sembabule who supported us in the struggle,” he said.
The 36th Heroes Day celebrations ran under the theme: “The Legacy and Ideals of our Heroes: A memorable Inspiration”.
Heroes Day is a national public holiday observed annually to honour individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to Uganda’s liberation struggle and national development.
It was first commemorated on June 9, 1989, marking the day in 1981 when a group of National Resistance Army fighters, led by Edidian Mukiibi Luttamaguzi, were killed by the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) for aiding the resistance.
The sacrifice of Luttamaguzi and others during that time laid the foundation for a tradition of recognising national heroes.
Prioritising welfare for war veterans:
President Museveni directed a fresh review of the Ministry of Luwero Triangle’s budget, emphasising the need to focus on practical support for families of fallen or living war veterans.
He proposed that instead of building entire houses for war-affected families, the government could supply materials like iron sheets and cement, while the families contribute bricks and labor, noting that the goal is to ensure that one clear problem is solved at a time without spreading resources too thinly across multiple unrelated sectors.
“The budget must be focused. You may not build an entire house, but at least give iron sheets and cement, and let the families make their own bricks. Let’s solve one problem at a time,” he said
“When we started NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation in 2013, I told Gen. Saleh to first give seeds and inputs to the families of the veterans.”
He said Uganda’s veterans must never be forgotten, noting that their welfare was considered from the very beginning. After the war, he gathered over 800 leaders in Kyankwanzi in 2008 and announced a Shs5 million token of appreciation to each, along with Shs1 million for other supporters.
President Museveni also mentioned that the government would shift veteran’s treatment to Entebbe Grade B Hospital to control expenses from some of the private hospitals like Nakasero Hospital.
He further announced plans to establish a special burial fund for former fighters.
Tackling Local Insecurity:
Turning to matters of rural security, President Museveni attributed rural insecurity to poor communication and response times.
He addressed past incidents of criminal violence, giving an example of a deadly attack in Kisojo, Bukomansimbi.
He mentioned that he had directed police at every sub-county to publicize a toll-free emergency number that operates around the clock.
“When I went there I realized that the problem was poor coordination.So I directed that there should be police at every sub-county to operate a 24-hour toll-free line, managed in shifts,” he said.
President Museveni emphasized that all homes now have telephones, and when under threat, citizens should contact their nearest police station, not distant relatives or leaders.
He cited a harrowing yet hopeful case of a nurse, Nakyambadde, who was targeted by criminals near Lukaya. Following his guidance, she immediately telephoned the local police.
As the attackers attempted to break into her home, he narrated that the police arrived swiftly and foiled the assault. The gang was neutralized, and the last suspect was captured as far away as Ntungamo.
“That phone call saved her life. This was the kind of coordination we have been lacking,”he said, noting that earlier failures had cost lives.
“These killers were not special. What they took advantage of was our disorganization,” he added.
The President also referred to the killing of elders in Masaka, where criminals were eventually tracked down with the help of police dogs.
For the President , this was proof that strengthening coordination and investing in trained response units could decisively end rural crime.
Land Justice:
In addressing land disputes, the President took a firm stance against landlords evicting bibanja tenants.
He rejected the notion that such matters could be resolved through private negotiations and insisted that the land question must be handled by the government.
“This is a colonial legacy, chasing people off land is banned. It is illegal. The government will set clear boundaries. If someone claims to be your landlord, brings papers and tells you to leave, that’s abuse of your ignorance,” President Museveni said.
To protect tenants from exploitation, the President revealed a forthcoming law that will allow bibanja tenants to make rental payments at sub-county offices, saying that landlords who refuse to accept these payments will no longer be able to manipulate or threaten tenants with eviction.
President Museveni also praised local efforts in wealth creation, citing positive changes in cattle keeping, coffee production, and other ventures.
He promised government support for smallholder irrigation projects, especially to help vulnerable communities maintain productivity during dry seasons.
He urged farmers to learn to grow pasture for their livestock rather than relying solely on natural grazing.
The President also rallied Ugandan families to adopt better succession practices, warning against dividing property into fragments after the death of a household head.
“Instead families should embrace the principle of shared ownership through structured inheritance by sharing something, other societies have already perfected,” he said.
Responding to local demands, President Museveni assured the people of Kabula and surrounding areas that key infrastructure projects, including the Ntutsi–Kashagama–Lyantonde and Lyantonde–Lumbugu–Rakai roads, would be addressed.
He concluded by reaffirming his government’s commitment to veterans and community development, urging Ugandans to stay vigilant, united and informed.
“We are moving with wealth creation, and I see change. Let us protect our progress and finish the mission we started together,” he said.
On her part , the Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda praised President Museveni, calling him a living hero whose sacrifices continue to shape the destiny of the nation.
Hon. Babalanda described Kabula as more than just a location in Uganda’s historical map but a port of entry into the liberation struggle of 1981 where many young men and women joined the National Resistance Army and where those who did not take up arms still supported the cause in vital ways.
“This area played a critical role. It was a corridor through which many freedom fighters entered the struggle. Even those who didn’t physically join the war contributed financially, materially, and morally. Some acted as contacts for those in the bush, others offered food, money, or other necessities needed for survival,” she said.
Hon. Babalanda acknowledged the climate of fear under which residents lived at the time, risking their lives simply by showing solidarity with the resistance movement.
She reminded Ugandans that the freedom enjoyed today was not accidental but hard-won through sacrifice, courage, and a shared vision for a liberated Uganda.
Turning directly to President Museveni, the Minister offered words of gratitude and reverence.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for fighting for the freedom of Uganda. You gave up everything to liberate our motherland. Today, Uganda is a beacon of stability in the region and a sanctuary to nearly two million refugees. That level of generosity and peace is rooted in the liberation you led,” she said.
She declared that true heroes never die because their legacies endure through the lives they transform and the values they protect.
“We celebrate the living heroes for the impact they continue to make. And in this regard, Your Excellency, you are our hero. You always will be. We cannot celebrate the heroes who served under your command without recognizing you,” the Minister said.
As the country approaches another election season, Hon. Babalanda closed with a prayer for continued peace and stability, urging Ugandans and friends of Uganda around the world to pray for the President’s health and strength, and for national unity.
“We pray that Uganda remains peaceful, especially as we near the election period. And we pray for your strength and good health, Your Excellency, as you continue guiding this country forward,” she said.
Hon. Alice Kaboyo, the State Minister for the Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region in the Office of the Prime Minister, also hailed President Museveni and Uganda’s fallen patriots for their enduring sacrifices in restoring the country’s peace and stability.
Minister Kaboyo praised the President’s unwavering commitment to Uganda’s liberation, noting that the freedom enjoyed today was built on the blood and courage of the country’s gallant sons and daughters.
“We appreciate Your Excellency for your great sacrifice, and that of other gallant sons of Uganda some of whom paid the ultimate price in blood to restore the stability we now enjoy,” Hon. Kaboyo said.
The Minister further commended the President for initiating the sub-county policing model, a recent strategy aimed at improving grassroots security and protecting citizens’ livelihoods from criminal threats.
She emphasized that this policy is a game-changer in preventing theft and protecting private investments, especially in rural areas.
“In your wisdom, Your Excellency, you directed the establishment of a sub-county policing model. This move will ensure that our people no longer live in fear of losing their investments to criminals,” she said.
Hon. Kaboyo also highlighted government efforts in partnership with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) to support the welfare of war veterans.
She noted that residential houses have been constructed for selected civilian veterans as part of broader efforts to honor their service and reintegrate them with dignity.
The Minister further expressed appreciation for the mass immunization campaigns spearheaded by the government in the Luwero and Rwenzori sub-regions.
She said these public health efforts have had significant impact, particularly in improving maternal and child health outcomes.
As part of the Heroes Day week, Hon. Kaboyo revealed that the Ministry of Luwero-Rwenzori held a high-impact medical outreach in the region.
“ The medical camp treated over 2,300 patients across multiple disciplines, including surgery, maternal and child health and primary care services,” she said.
“This medical camp left a remarkable impact in the community. We are grateful to our dedicated medical partners whose expertise and compassion helped deliver life-saving services to our people,” she said.
Mr. Kigundu Kabandwa, Chairperson of the Civilian Veterans in the Luwero Triangle, described the President as a true national hero and commended the decision to host the event in Lyantonde, an area he described as deeply rooted in the liberation history of Uganda.
Mr. Kabandwa highlighted the district’s vital contribution to the National Resistance Movement’s liberation struggle, noting that the area produced some of the most committed fighters whose efforts helped to shape Uganda’s future.
He emphasized that the choice of Lyantonde for this year’s celebrations is not only symbolic but also a reaffirmation of the area’s role in the birth of modern Uganda.
Mr. Kabandwa also lauded President Museveni’s transformative leadership that has guided Uganda through a period of remarkable change.
He also praised the professionalism and discipline of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), describing the force as a national asset whose integrity must be protected.
“We are proud of our well-trained and disciplined UPDF, Please keep it that way. Do not allow it to be spoiled. The country is now reaping the good fruits of your sacrifices and long-term vision,” he concluded .
Meanwhile, the President and Maama Janet first visited a monument site and laid a wreath in commemoration of freedom fighters who died during the people’s protracted war of the NRA, between 1981-1986.
Also , distinguished individuals were recognized for their exceptional service, including veterans of the NRA struggle, civil servants, and community change-makers.
The event was also attended by the Vice President, H.E Jessica Alupo, the First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the East African Community, Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, the First National Vice Chairperson of NRM, Alhajji Moses Kigongo, Ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Diplomatic Corps, religious and cultural leaders, among other dignitaries.
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