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”. 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 labour, 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
He said Uganda’s veterans must never be forgotten, noting that their welfare was considered from the very beginning. He 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. I directed that there should be police at every sub-county to operate a 24-hour toll-free line, managed in shifts,” he said.
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,” he said, noting that earlier failures had cost lives.
Land Justice:
In addressing land disputes, the President took a firm stance against landlords evicting bibanja tenants. “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.
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.
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.
She described Kabula as more than just a location in Uganda’s historical map but a port of entry into the liberation struggle of 1981. “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. 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.
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.
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.
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.