Synopsis for the 36th Heroes Day Anniversary Celebrations -2025
“We must never forget why we have and why we need our military. Our armed forces exist solely to ensure our nation is safe, so that each and every one of us can sleep soundly at night, knowing we have guardians at the gate” Allen West.

Background
Uganda's rich history is woven with the stories of remarkable individuals whose contributions have shaped the nation's identity and resilience. From the struggles of the colonial era to the challenges faced in post-independence, these individuals have left an indelible mark on the country's journey. Their sacrifices and achievements serve as a testament to the spirit of the Ugandan people, inspiring future generations to honour their legacies and to strive for justice, equality, and national unity.
Throughout these tumultuous years of Uganda, several individuals emerged as symbols of resistance and hope. Their contributions and sacrifices during this period of turmoil cemented their status as national heroes. These figures not only fought against colonial and post-colonial oppression but also inspired future generations to strive for justice, equality, and national unity.
This exploration into Uganda's national heroes not only highlights their personal stories but also contextualizes their significance within the broader narrative of the nation. As we delve into their lives and the impact they had on their communities, we uncover the lessons that continue to resonate in contemporary Uganda.
In Uganda, being declared a hero, specifically on Heroes Day, involves demonstrating exceptional dedication, bravery, and self-sacrifice for the nation. This can involve fighting for total liberation of our motherland Uganda, contributing significantly to the country's development, or making remarkable achievements that benefit the Ugandan people. 
Furthermore, the celebration of these heroes through events like National Heroes Day and various educational programs underscores the importance of remembering and learning from the past. Monuments and memorials play a crucial role in preserving this history, ensuring that the stories of these influential figures are not forgotten.
Today, as we celebrate the 36th Heroes Day, we salute Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the President of the Republic of Uganda who throughout his adult life has sacrificed to liberate Uganda. From fighting Dictator Idi Amin to going to the bush to fight fascist regimes that succeeded Amin; he sacrificed it all to liberate our motherland Uganda. Uganda is not only peaceful but also hosts close to two million refugees from across the world. The socio-economic transformation of Uganda is for everybody to testify. Uganda has attained the lower middle income status and with the oil revenues expected to begin to flow come 2026, the Country will, without a doubt, become a modern state.

Why are we celebrating Heroes Day in Lyantonde District
Lyantonde District was chosen to host this year’s Heroes Day because of the critical role played by people from this new district during the 1981-86 liberation struggle. Lyantonde District which was Kabula County in Rakai District by then was a transit route corridor for recruits from Western Uganda to Luwero and it acted as the epicentre of the Liberation War. Several young men and women bravely joined the liberation struggle, and those that did not physically join the war also sacrificed by providing financial and moral support. These recruitments were spearhead by the late Major Victor Bwana.
Notable among them are; Lt. Gen. Pecos Kutesa (RIP), his brother Capt. Ben Muhanguzi a.k.a Dampa (RIP), Maj. Gen. Phinehas Katirima, Brig. Gen. Eugene Sebugwawo (rtd), Brig. Gen. Emmanuel Rwashande (rtd), Col. Enock Nkunda, Col. Poteli Kivuna, Maj. Joel Babumba, Maj. Sam Kamukama (RIP), Maj. Mugira from Kinuka, Lt. Kamya Deo (rtd), Lt. Tumwine Karingiri, Lt. Kutesa Kabalingi (RIP) and Lt. Zayire Karingiri (RIP).
Equally so, many civilians in Lyantonde District played critical roles in the success of the Liberation war. They either acted as contacts for the bush clandestine recruiting groups or they gave material support in form of money, food and any other required material; and moral support. Key among the very many supporters of the struggle are; Mr. Gengwe Stephen, Mr. Kiyingi Livingstone, Mr. Benedicto Sebugwawo (father to Brig. Gen. Eugene Sebugwawo), Ms. Akiiki Mugeiga, Mr. Rutemba Kezekia, Mr. Luwere Kula, Mzee Bujanjara (father to late Maj. Sam Kamukama), Mr. Mugasha Flora, Ms. Ndyamuba Enid, Mr. Kajubi Gideon, Mr. Rwabwozi Yoweri, Mr. Matiya Kibirige, Mr. Kyateeka Damiano, Mzee Karingiri, Mr. Karuhanga Chris, the Rwamurinda family, late Kigundu Peter, Mr Sewandigi Elia, Mr. Muwendo Yeremia, late Mihanda Mishaki, the Buzaabo family, Mr. Ezekiel Kinywamacunda and his wife Cledia Kinywamacunda, Hajji Katende, late Eliphaz Bitembe among very many others.
To the Lyantonde people, the NRA/M struggle is their struggle. No wonder they have overwhelmingly supported the NRM government in all previous general elections. Every election cycle, Lyantonde vote NRM Party with over 98%. The population in these areas thrives on farming, and they have heeded H.E the President’s message of alleviating poverty from their homesteads through implementing the Government’s poverty alleviation programme such as Parish Development Model (PDM), Youth Livelihood Programmes, Emyooga among others.
Lyantonde people paid huge price for supporting the liberation war. The Uganda Peoples’ Congress (UPC) regime at the time resorted to killing and economically sabotaging those they perceived to be sympathisers of the NRA/M War. Several people were kidnapped and never to be seen again; while others were arrested and either died in cruel military detentions or were made to buy their safety after paying huge ransoms. People lived in a state of fear, while others were forced to migrate deep into Ankole where they felt were a bit safer.

Economy
Uganda’s economy has shown resilience over a time and averaged 6% growth over 30 years. It remained vibrant despite recent global economic pressures. This has been largely driven by broad-based expansion in the services (43.1% of the economy) and industrial (24.9% of the economy) sectors. This impressive growth has been supported by higher net exports, mainly of coffee and gold, increased oil sector investment, and reduced global supply chain disruptions. Additionally, government initiatives such as the Parish Development Model provided further economic momentum.
Growth is projected to increase driven by agriculture and services sectors. The start of oil production is expected to significantly boost growth, accelerating to 10.4% as the oil production plateaus. The developments in the oil and gas sector that are expected to drive growth in the medium term, are anticipated to have positive spill over effects across other sectors of the economy, leading to improvements in public infrastructure, increased private sector activity, and strong net flows of Foreign Direct Investment.
Poverty is expected to decline with a faster reduction anticipated as economic growth accelerates. The strategic investment of oil revenues in social services, infrastructure, and human capital could further lower poverty rates to 15% by 2030.
To further improve our economic growth and reduce poverty, Uganda is now focusing on structural transformation, shifting labour into more productive employment and increasing productivity in the agricultural sector, where the poor are concentrated. Reforms are meant to stimulate private sector investment by lowering the cost of doing business, expanding access to finance, and promoting the uptake of digital and innovative technologies.
Furthermore, the government is consolidating efforts by shifting spending into social sectors, investing more in human capital, alongside measures to reduce inequality and strengthen resilience in furtherance to ending poverty. Uganda has maintained prudent macroeconomic management and adhered to the fiscal rules embedded in the country’s Charter for Fiscal Responsibility, enhanced revenue mobilization, and strengthened non-oil economy once oil revenues start to flow.

Education
Uganda's education sector has undergone several reforms aimed at improving quality, access, and equity. These reforms include the implementation of Universal Primary Education (UPE), Universal Secondary Education (USE), changes in curriculum, increased funding, and the integration of technology. Furthermore, the government has focused on teacher development and management, and has introduced initiatives to improve the learning environment and learning materials. 
The NRM Government introduced UPE in 1997 and USE in 2007, aiming to ensure access to education for all children. As a result, Uganda’s literacy rate has improved to 80.59% in 2025, enrolment under Universal Secondary Education has increased from 2 million to 8.8 million pupils.These wonderful figures continue to shape our critical human Resource development.
Public school enrolment in Uganda will continue to increase, particularly under the Universal Primary Education and Universal Secondary Education programs. The latest National Household Survey (UNHS) reported a gross enrolment rate of 119.5% for primary schools in 2023/24, meaning, for every 100 children of primary school age, 119.5 are enrolled.
The NRM Government is actively working to improve education, including launching a nationwide pupil census to ensure fair education funding and exploring options for strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
In an effort to improve the quality of Education, the Government has rolled out the competence-based curriculum for the lower secondary school level; introduced new components like Continuous Assessment (CA) and project work; and increased funding to support education, including infrastructure development and teacher training. 
Teacher training programs and initiatives have been implemented to enhance teacher skills and qualifications. This program has supported schools and trained teachers across the country. This policy aims to establish minimum standards and qualifications for teacher training and deployment. 
Overall, the education sector in Uganda is undergoing a period of significant change and reform. While progress has been made in increasing access and improving quality, there is still much work to be done to address the challenges and ensure that all Ugandans have access to quality education that prepares them for the future. 

Health sector
Uganda’s health system, is comprised of decentralised healthcare services, overseen by district health teams across 112 districts and the central Ministry of Health.
The decentralised district is the local level of decision-making for health services delivery, including the planning and implementation of human resources for health policies, budgeting for medicines, supplies, sundries, infrastructure and amenities such as electricity and water. The district health team is led by a District Health Officer who works with a team of 7 health managers. Alongside other district departments such as education, agriculture, water and sanitation and community development, they report to the Chief Administrative Officer.
These technical departments are governed by the political arm of government headed by the District Chairperson, assisted by District Executive Committee and Councillors. Each district has sub-districts, which are lower-levels of policy-making and monitoring of health services at the sub-county levels. Each district often has a General Hospital, and referral level Health Centre IVs at the health sub-districts. The Health Centre IV at the health sub-district supervises a number of Health Centre IIIs, which often have maternal health services in addition to ambulatory care. Below the Health Centre IIIs are dispensaries labelled Health Centre IIs. At the community level, are Village Health Teams who provide day-to-day referral of patients from the community.

Infrastructure development
Developing and maintaining reliable, sustainable, affordable and climate resilient infrastructure in both rural and urban areas has been identified as being critical for driving social, cultural and economic development.  The NRM government has identified infrastructure as one of the fundamental drivers for socio-economic transformation of the country over the medium term.
Government seeks to improve the stock and quality of economic infrastructure over the period in a bid to remove infrastructure constraints to facilitate private sector development as the engine of growth. To improve the country ‘s competitiveness in the region, the NRM government has prioritized investment in strategic infrastructure such as the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR); the oil refinery; oil pipeline; energy generation and transmission; ICT; roads; water for production; and improving facilities for air transport.

Transport sector 
Uganda’s dominant transportation mode is road transport which accounts for over 92% of passenger and cargo traffic. The NRM government took deliberate steps to heavily invest in other modes of transport in a bid to reduce the cost of production. Accordingly, over 6000 km of paved roads were constructed by the end of 2024. Furthermore, 2,205km of gravel roads have been upgraded to tarmac; 700km of old paved roads have been rehabilitated and 2,500km of paved roads and 10,000km of unpaved roads are being maintained.
On water transport, the NRM Government has prioritized the development of an inexpensive, energy efficient and environmentally friendly transportation system in order to increase the volume of passenger and cargo traffic by marine transport. This is aimed at increasing utilization of water transport since it is deemed to be cheap and reliable.
Priority is also given to boosting the volume of passengers and cargo traffic conveyed by rail. Concentration is on the construction of a multi-lane Standard Gauge Railway System with high speed trains using the latest technology for both passenger transport and cargo freights by 2040. This will effectively link Uganda to other countries within the East African region and overseas, providing economical and effective bulk haulage capacity for the country’s exports and imports.
The air transport sub-sector registered significant improvement in its performance measured by activity at Entebbe International Airport (EIA) that indicated an increase in the number of both domestic and international passengers. 
Since 2007, the annual growth in passenger numbers has been between 5 percent and 6 percent.  In relating air travel to tourism as a means of promoting the sector and also due to the implementation of the 20-year National Aviation Master Plan (2014-2033), the NRM government commenced the re- development of EIA in a bid to improve passenger handling, bagging and meet the international airport standards. In addition, government completed the automation of the aeronautical information management system that has realized the reduction of human errors and costs incurred by air operators in adjusting the Aeronautical Information Publications.

Energy
Energy is a major prerequisite to Uganda’s transformation agenda since energy costs are a binding constraint to many other economic activities. The NRM government target is to achieve 80 percent access to modern energy by 2040. To undertake this, Government will invest in the necessary infrastructure to facilitate exploitation of the abundant renewable energy sources including hydropower, geothermal, and nuclear, so as to increase power generation capacity and prepare for achievement of the required 41,738 Mega Watts by year 2040. Also, the country targets to increase per capita electricity consumption to 3,668 kWh by 2040. A number of major energy infrastructure projects are being implemented to this end.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
The NRM Government recognizes the ICT sector as one that can facilitate sustainable, effective and efficient development through harnessing and utilizing ICT in all spheres of life. Over the period, priority has been given to the extension of the National Backbone Infrastructure (NBI); and construction of ICT incubation hubs/ centres and ICT parks. Ultimately, Government interventions in the sector are aimed at improving access to efficient and affordable ICT services and also lowering the cost of doing business.
In conclusion, the celebration and commemoration of national heroes in Uganda are vital to the country's identity and cultural heritage. National Heroes Day serves as a significant observance, allowing citizens to reflect on the sacrifices of those who came before them. Educational programs and public awareness initiatives play a critical role in ensuring that the stories of these heroes resonate with future generations. Museums and memorials stand as enduring symbols of memory, preserving the legacies of national heroes and fostering a sense of unity among the people of Uganda. Join us as we embark on a journey through Uganda's history, honouring those who have paved the way for a brighter future especially those men and women who sacrificed their lives in the great Luwero Bush War of Liberation.

References
- Museveni, Y. (2016) ‘Sowing the Mustard Seed,’ Moran
Publishers Limited.
- A research report by NRA Archives Unit, Ministry of
Defence and Veteran Affairs/ Office of the President, (20
23) ‘The Titanic Story of the People’s Protracted War in
Uganda’, Uganda Printing & Publishing Corporation.
-- Katirima , P ( 2020) ‘ Compelled to Action, Struggle For
Self Determination’, AuthorPad Kampala- Uganda.
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