Lyantonde — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has renewed his dedication to honouring Uganda’s war heroes and strengthening rural security as the country commemorated the 36th National Heroes Day at Lyantonde Technical Institute Grounds in Kaliiro Town Council, Lyantonde District.
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Maama Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President paid tribute to the fighters of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and recognised the special contribution of communities in Kabula and Sembabule to the liberation struggle.
“I want to salute the fighters who stood firm during the resistance movement. In particular, I salute the people of this area—Kabula and Sembabule—who supported us in the struggle,” he said.
The 2025 celebrations were held under the theme, “The Legacy and Ideals of our Heroes: A Memorable Inspiration”, reaffirming Uganda’s commitment to honouring those who sacrificed for the nation’s freedom and progress.
Honouring a Legacy of Sacrifice
Heroes Day, first commemorated in 1989, marks the day in 1981 when NRA fighters, led by Edidian Mukiibi Luttamaguzi, were executed for aiding the resistance movement. President Museveni emphasised that the sacrifices made during the bush war remain the foundation of Uganda’s peace and independence.
The President directed a fresh review of the Ministry of Luwero Triangle’s budget to better support families of fallen and surviving veterans. Rather than constructing complete houses, he proposed a more sustainable model of providing construction materials like iron sheets and cement while families contribute bricks and labour.
“Let’s solve one problem at a time. Provide cement and iron sheets, and let the families provide bricks. The budget must be focused,” he said.
President Museveni also announced that veterans’ healthcare services would be centralised at Entebbe Grade B Hospital to reduce costly private medical expenses and revealed plans to establish a dedicated burial fund for fallen fighters.
Strengthening Community Security
Addressing local insecurity, the President highlighted the importance of efficient communication and police response at the grassroots level. He recalled a violent attack in Kisojo, Bukomansimbi, and emphasised the need for sub-county-based 24-hour toll-free police hotlines to quickly respond to threats.
“Every home has a phone now. If under threat, don’t call your relatives—call the nearest police station,” he advised.
He recounted a case in Lukaya where a nurse, Nakyambadde, was rescued after swiftly alerting the police, leading to the arrest of criminals even as far as Ntungamo. “That phone call saved her life. This is the kind of coordination we’ve been lacking,” the President added.
Addressing Land Justice
On the issue of land rights, President Museveni condemned illegal evictions of bibanja tenants, calling it a continuation of colonial-era injustice. “This is illegal. The government will protect tenants. Landlords who refuse to accept rent payments will be bypassed. A new law will allow tenants to pay at sub-county offices,” he said.
He urged Ugandans to adopt better land inheritance practices and praised local efforts in cattle keeping, coffee farming, and small-scale irrigation, promising continued government support to boost agricultural productivity.
The President also pledged to prioritise key infrastructure projects in the region, including the Ntutsi–Kashagama–Lyantonde and Lyantonde–Lumbugu–Rakai roads. “We are moving with wealth creation, and I see change. Let us protect our progress and finish the mission we started together,” he concluded.
Ministerial Praises and Community Reflections
Minister for the Presidency Hon. Babirye Milly Babalanda hailed President Museveni as a living hero and protector of Uganda’s sovereignty. “Kabula is more than just a place—it’s where the struggle entered. Even those who didn’t fight offered food, money, or acted as contacts. This freedom wasn’t accidental,” she said.
She praised the President’s leadership that turned Uganda into a regional sanctuary, hosting nearly two million refugees, and urged prayers for peace and Museveni’s continued strength ahead of the 2026 elections.
State Minister for the Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, commended the President’s sub-county policing model and highlighted recent efforts to support war veterans, including housing construction and public health campaigns. “Your sub-county policing strategy is a game-changer in protecting investments and curbing rural crime,” she said.
She also revealed that a medical outreach held during Heroes Day week treated over 2,300 patients in the Luwero-Rwenzori regions.
Chairperson of Civilian Veterans in the Luwero Triangle, Mr. Kigundu Kabandwa, praised the President’s leadership and described the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) as a disciplined and professional institution that must be preserved. “This district played a key role in the liberation. Hosting the event here reaffirms that legacy,” Kabandwa said.
Honouring the Fallen and Celebrating the Living
Before the official celebrations, President Museveni and the First Lady laid a wreath at a monument site in memory of fallen fighters. Distinguished individuals, including NRA veterans, civil servants, and grassroots change-makers, were recognised for their service to the country.
The event was attended by Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, First Deputy Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Rebecca Kadaga, NRM First National Vice Chairperson, Alhajji Moses Kigongo, Ministers, MPs, members of the diplomatic corps, cultural and religious leaders, and hundreds of citizens.
As Uganda celebrated the courage and conviction of its heroes, the 2025 Heroes Day marked both a moment of reflection and a rallying call to secure the nation’s progress through unity, vigilance, and shared responsibility.
