Fellow Ugandans, it is the 36th Heroes’ Day Anniversary which we are celebrating on Monday 9th June, 2025. The celebrations are being held in Lyantonde district under the theme: “The Legacy and Ideals of Our Heroes: A Memorable Inspiration.” The President of the Republic of Uganda, H.E Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, is expected to officiate at the National Celebrations and we thank him, a living hero, for not forgetting his comrades and preserving their memory in all that he does.
This is a historical day on which we reflect on the contributions of our heroes and heroines in the Socio-economic transformation of Uganda. This day was first marked in 1989. It originated from a proposal to H.E. the President by the people of Kikandwa in Luweero District, that the ninth of June be declared a Heroes’ Day. It was appropriate for the Country to set up a National Heroes’ Day on which to honour all Ugandans who sacrificed themselves to better the lives of Ugandans.
Celebrating our heroes is an opportunity for each of us individually to arise and make the most out of the ideals and sacrifices for which our Heroes struggled to make this Country a better place. The war that brought NRM to power and ushered in peace was very costly in terms of human life and property. Therefore, the prevailing peace should be safeguarded jealously so that the Country never returns to such turmoil. Important to note, to date, there are some heroes that cannot be forgotten during the Heroes Day celebrations. These are the eleven Ugandans that were killed on 9th October 1981 at Kikandwa in cold blood by UNLA led by late Lt. Gen. Bazilio Olara Okello namely; Luttamaguzi and Nkwanga, among others.
The sacrifices made by our heroes and heroines in shaping Uganda’s History and their role in the Country’s ongoing journey towards stability and development needs to be emphasized. Since NRM’s rise to power, a lot of transformation has been made in areas of infrastructure, healthcare, education, peace and stability among others.
It is, therefore, a call for Ugandans of all walks in life to “wake up” and exploit the current Peace; Tranquility; sound Socio-economic policies (e.g. Universal access to education); new Prosperity for all Programmes (Emyooga, Parish Development Model-PDM and Operation Wealth Creation – OWC); widened regional markets to pursue socio-economic transformation – as envisioned by our Heroes. The sacrifice of our Heroes/heroines in this case, is a compelling invitation for Ugandans to awaken to their inherent potential and actively contribute to the advancement and prosperity of our beloved Motherland.
Lyantonde District was chosen to host this year’s Heroes Day celebrations because of the critical role played by the people of this new district during the 1981-86 liberation struggle. Lyantonde District which was Kabula County in Rakai District by then was a transit corridor for recruits from Western Uganda to Luweero. It acted as the epicenter of the liberation war. These recruitments were spearheaded by the late Major Victor Bwana.
Several young men and women from Lyantonde were recruited to participate in the liberation struggle and notable among them are; Lt. Gen. Pecos Kutesa (RIP) and his brother Capt. Ben Muhanguzi a.k.a Dampa (RIP), Maj Gen. Phinehas Katirima, Bri. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande (rtd), Brig. Gen. Eugene Sebugwawo (rtd), Col. Enock Nkunda; Maj. Joel Babumba, Maj. Sam Kamukama (RIP), Maj. Mugira from Kinuka, Lt. Zayire Karingiri (RIP), Lt. Deo Kamya (rtd), Lt. Tumwine Karingiri, Lt. Kutesa Kabalingi (RIP) and Col. Poteli Kivuna (RIP).
Equally so, many civilians in Lyantonde played critical roles in the success of the Bush war. They either acted as contacts for the bush war recruiters or they gave material support in form of money, food and any other required material and moral support. Key among the main supporters of the struggle are; Mr. Benedicto Sebugwawo (father to Brig. Gen. Eugene Sebugwawo), Ms. Akiiki Mugeiga, Rwamurinda family, Mr. Karoli Lwanga (father of Lt. Deo Kamya) and the family of Kinywamacunda. It’s a moral duty to remember these sacrifices and thank the people of Lyantonde for the gallantry exhibited during those most difficult times and the support given to the National Resistance Movement (NRM) throughout its journey of leading the liberated Country.
Earlier in 2020, H.E the President had directed that Heroes Day Anniversary Celebrations be held in Lyantonde District. However, due to the outbreak of COVID-19 in the Country by then, the function was held in State House. It is against that background that we proposed Lyantonde to host the 36th Heroes Day Celebrations as a way to compensate for the lost opportunity but also for the entire country to join in honouring the contribution and sacrifice of sons and daughters of Lyantonde who played a pivotal role in liberating the country. Indeed, during the celebrations, these heros/heroines will be honoured in a special way. The UPDF will mount a Heroes’ Guard of Honour at the site of the monument at Kaliiro Dispensary, Kaliro Town Council. This shall be followed by laying of wreath by dignitaries led by H.E the President.
Last year’s Heros Day in Gomba district was well attended without any security challenge. Let this year’s event be similarly successful or better as we pay homage to those who gave their all for Uganda’s future generations to enjoy Peace, Democracy, Stability, Unity, Development and Socio-economic stability. The firm foundation laid by our heros should inspire in us a stronger spirit of Patriotism where we do things that benefit all and not ourselves as individuals. This mindset will make Uganda a true “Land of Heros” in the quest to achieve greater heights in national transformation and progress, with each of us making our own heroic contribution to the motherland in ways that will be remembered for posterity.
I take the honour to congratulate H.E Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveveni (a living hero) and Hon. Maama Janet, Cabinet, Parliament, the Judiciary, the security organs and all Ugandans upon marking the 36th Heroes Day!
For God and My Country!
The author is the Minister for the Presidency
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