WAKISO – Uganda will on June 9th 2019 mark the 30th Heroes’Day, an annual event to pay tribute to people who exemplified and defended the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice for the wellbeing of the country and its citizens.
Under the theme “Celebrating the Courageous Heroes that brought the peace and prosperity we are enjoying”, this year’s event will be hosted at Kasanje Town Council in Wakiso District.
Minister for Presidency Esther Mbayo told press on May 5 that among the heroic values to be celebrated include proven integrity, patriotism and sacrifice, acts of bravery, setting a good example, truthfulness, and love for others
“We owe a great debt to the sons and daughters of this country and all the other heroes and heroines who fought for Uganda to be free. It is a debt we can neither repay, nor ever forget,” she said
The minister also noted that this year’s celebration will pay special focus to the Uganda Freedom Movement and (UFM) led by the late Dr. Andrew Kayiira and another fighting group FEDEMU that helped in ousting the UPC regime in 1980.
“These two later merged with the NRA en-route to liberating Uganda in 1986,” Ms. Mbayo said.
Prominent fighters of the UFM/FEDEMU according to Hon Mbayo include Maj. Gen. Kasirye Gwanga, late George Nkwanga and Major General Adda Hussein (Retired).
Brig. Mark Kodili (Retired) Col. Kalyesubula (Retired), Captain. Kiwanuka, Major. Rwamiti Nyago, Capt.Kamya Nkima, Capt. Paul Kavuma, Maj. Nsubuga, Lt. Nansera Lubega among others are also set to be recognised as prominent fighters on that day.
Heroes’ Day is celebrated every year to commemorate people who have exemplified and defended the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice for the wellbeing of the country and its citizens.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to award all categories of medals to over 100 distinguished Ugandans that have exhibited heroism in various ways.
Mbayo said Kasanje has been chosen because this place, and Mpigi saw a lot of brutal arrests and death of the citizens especially after the botched attack on the Lubiri barracks by the UFM forces in early 1982.
“Between 1980 and 1985, Kasanje was represented in Parliament by Hon. Dr. Paulo Kawanga Ssemogerere, President-General of the Democratic Party,” she added.
“We are compatriots in the struggle of making Uganda a better country to live in, which was the major spirit behind their Heroic Deeds. It is the cardinal duty for every Ugandan therefore, to protect, develop and sustain this spirit,” Mbayo added.
