Heroes day in Uganda is a day dedicated to celebrate National Heroes and heroines who have sacrificed their lives for this Country. National Heroes Day was instituted by the Uganda People’s Congress in 2001 to honor those who played a major role in creating a better future for the people of Uganda. It is an occasion the Nation to re-assure those gallant sons and daughters of Uganda that their labors, sweat, sacrifices and extraordinary efforts, will remain a cherished memory.
There has however been controversy about the holiday, regarding who should be honored on this day. Originally, Heroes Day was to recognize those who traveled long distances, endured humiliation, lost limbs and ended their studies who now lay in unmarked graves throughout Uganda. Amnesty International estimates that more than 300,000 civilians died during the guerrilla wars which brought the current government into power. Mostly fallen soldiers of the civil war in Uganda are officially recognized as heroes. But the crimes committed by both sides during the war are still vivid for the nation, that is why Ugandans do not always consider those fallen soldiers as real national heroes. Although in recent years, government leaders have used the holiday to recognize those who helped Yoweri Museveni gain power during the Bush War some Ugandans argue for remembrance of less controversial persons in the history of Uganda. For instance, the Ugandan doctor, who detected a deadly Ebola outbreak before it spread.
Celebrations and Traditions
Heroes Day in Uganda begins with the laying of a wreath at the mass graves of innocent civilians killed during civil wars. The president, who is accompanied by dignitaries and government leaders, lays the wreath before proceeding to another location to address the public. The government chooses different locations throughout Uganda for the official ceremony and speech each year. The location chosen relates to the contribution of that area to the struggle for liberation in Uganda.
Heroes throughout Uganda are chosen to receive medals on National Heroes Day. Between 600 and 1,000 medals are given out annually to recognise contributions to the betterment of Uganda. The ceremony for the medal presentation is chosen based on historical contributions, much like the location chosen for the morning ceremonies on National Heroes Day.
Despite the controversy over those chosen to receive medals, National Heroes Day is a public holiday in Uganda with offices, schools and many businesses closed.
Theme of This Year's Heroes Day Celebration
The theme for the 29th Heroes’ Day Anniversary celebrations is:
“Remembering our Heroes who kept the faith and fought the fight; the duty to enrich their gains is ours”.
Prime Minister of Ethiopia, H.E Abiy Ahamed Ali is expected to be in attendance to preside over the occasion. The government of Uganda earlier this week announced that he will be honored with the Most Excellent Order of the Pearl of Africa – The Grand Master medal, the highest honor for a head of state. Other government officials and dignitaries are expected to be in attendance. They will be served with an official program booklet detailing core activities of the day.
Heroes day provides an opportunity for all Ugandans to look back at the aspirations of our heroes; and commit ourselves to working harder to achieve the transformational goals set out in the Vision 2040. In this way, we shall have enriched their gains and put our mark on posterity.
Looking back at their efforts, today, Uganda as a Nation is able to reflect upon the spirited journey it has made over the last three decades to realize meaningful peace and dignity for Ugandans. Hence June 9th, is a Day to conduct an honest self-assessment of the efforts that Uganda as a Nation has put in in ensuring that the country live up to the aspirations of its compatriots. It is an opportunity as a nation to recommit to working harder to achieve the transformational goals set out in the Vision 2040. And is also a time to celebrate the successes and achievements registered towards transforming the nation into a prosperous Country.
VENUE FOR THIS YEAR CELEBRATIONS
Biremebo sub-county in Kakumiro District has been chosen as the venue for this year's heroes day celebration. The venue bears memories of the celebration wars particularly the battle of Biremebo were three of the NRA’s fighters in the Lumumba battalion were killed and two others fatally wounded.
Security Agencies have put in place the necessary security measures to secure the venue of the celebrations.