Heroes day is celebrated on every 9 June since the NRM government took charge of the country. It changed date of celebration from 27 May during Obote II regime to 9 June presently and its an observed national holiday.
The initial heroes day under NRM government was meant to remember the people who lost their lives during the 1981-1986 Luwero bush war and those who significantly contributed to see change of guard, that brought the NRM then NRA to power .
The day evolved with time and more people got rewarded with medals depending on their impact to society and different sectors like entrepreneurs, medics, civil servants, security operatives, ordinary citizens and religious leaders.
We are celebrating the 39th edition of the heroes day since the NRM government came to power amid growing questions of legitimacy of the celebration, criterion through which the awarded are chosen and spirit of nationalism and patriotism.
In 2001 the rhetoric questions about the day had answer, with parliament ensuring that they passed a law to legalize the day.
“ 2001 National Honours and Awards Act.” Was passed and a nine member committee was formed for vetting and approving Ugandans to be awarded and its first chairman was prof. Mondo Kagonyera. The government going legal about the issue didn’t address all the compliant to full satisfaction of the Ugandans especially the critics.
22 years down the lane many Ugandans continue to punch holes in to the celebration as the predecessors did, many alleging that president Museveni uses the celebration to award his loyalists, and those who bow to his rule. They don’t dispute a matter of fact that a national heroes day is needed and reality that some of the people awarded are worth recognition.
The public urges that the national heroes day, should be out of courtesy for nationalism and patriotism and not a bonanza, to those who affiliate, subscribe and kill more people in a certain war that brings one power. They urge the government to reward the right people and this how the day will make impact to the whole country and not be changed by different regimes that come into power going forward.
Article by: Katongole Arnold