HABARI DAILY I Kampala, Uganda I Fifty gallant Ugandans will have a cause to smile, and walk away with medals come 9th June, when the country celebrates the National Heroes Day.
The National Heroes’ Day, celebrated annually, is a public holiday that recognizes and honors individuals who made significant sacrifices for the country, particularly those who fought in the Ugandan Bush War.
This year’s cerebrations will be held at the Lyantonde Technical Institute, Kaliro Town Council, in Lyantonde district under the theme: The Legacy and Ideas of Our Heroes Memorable Inspiration.
Milly Babirye Babalanda, the minister for the Presidency, said commemorating Heroes Day is vital for both national identity and cultural heritage.
“These gallant people deserve recognition, and for remembrance purposes, all of us Ugandans should reflect the sacrifices they made on our behalf,” she said, during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Center today, on June 4th.
She said that many of the heroes being honored fought against colonial and post-colonial oppression in sacrifices that still resonate in Uganda today.
Babalanda said Government’s choice of Lyantonde district as the venue for the celebrations is due to the critical role it played in the 1981-1986 liberation struggle.
Zaminah Malole, the Secretary to the Presidential Awards Committee, said about 41 males and 9 females will receive the medals fo and appreciated for their contribution to national development, as well as Uganda’s liberation struggle.
She said the award categories include the National Independence Medal for civilians who have demonstrated royalty and outstanding service to the nation, the Nalubale Medal for individuals with consistent contributions to Uganda’s political development and the Kabalega Medal for individuals who have offered military service to Uganda.
Other medals include Damu Star Medal for military personnel who were wounded or killed in action, Personal Sacrifice Medal for Police officers who were injured or died in service, the Luweero Triangle Medal, for those who played a role in the Luweero-based liberation struggle and the Gallant Star Medal that goes to police officers for acts of bravery.
