POLICE | ENANGA | MEDAL 

KAMPALA - Fred Enanga, the Police Spokesperson, has gushed over his golden jubilee medal, saying it is a great motivation for him to continue offering his services to Ugandans. 

Speaking to the New Vision Thursday (June 9) on the sidelines of the Heroes Day celebrations at Kololo Independence grounds, he said the medal is proof of trust that his superiors have in him. 

“I am happy. It is a great motivation to work. It shows trust from your supervisors and workmates and the general public because it is from them that your superiors get feedback about you,” he said. 

He said the recognition also shows that the team he has been working with has been the right team, without which he would not have achieved anything. 

Enanga was among the 82 Heroes Day medalists who were awarded on Thursday. 

Out of these, 34 received the 50th-anniversary golden jubilee medal in recognition of their outstanding service and loyalty to the country, 17 received the Nalubale medals for their contribution to the political development of Uganda. 

18 medals went to Ugandans who joined the armed struggle against dictatorship, five Damu medals were given to army officers who were wounded or killed during the liberation war. 

Four long-serving golden medals were given to five police officers who have been in service for more than 30 years and two long service silver medals were given to police officers who have served for more than 20 years with a clean record. 

Deo Akiiki, the former army deputy spokesperson and medalist, said the recognition by the state of his little contribution is a challenge and motivation for him to work harder. 

“This is a sign that as you work, someone is out there watching you. I encourage others to work diligently, and they will also be recognized,” he said. 

Former New Vision journalist, Lucy Lapoti, who received the Jubilee award, said integrity matters a lot in what one does and encouraged Ugandans to be professional and honest in their vocations if they too are to be recognized. 

The celebrations were held under the theme “Commemorating our Heroes and Heroines: An Opportunity to consolidate our Efforts in Securing Uganda.” 

The event was attended by religious leaders, the head of the judiciary, government ministers and members of the diplomatic corp. 

Heroes day came through a proposal presented to President Museveni in 1989 by the people of Kikandwa village in Luweero district who wanted June 9th gazette to remember the contribution of Ugandans who were killed by the Bazilio Okello army for protecting the NRA rebels. 

On June 1, 1989, the cabinet discussed the proposal and passed it, making Heroes Day an annual celebration.