DSCs tasked to spot unsung heroes for national medal awards

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Members of district security committees in the Teso sub-region have been tasked to identify exemplary individuals to be considered for national medal awards.

The call was made by the chancellor and secretary to the Presidential Awards Committee (PAC), Hajat Zaminah Malole, during engagements with district security committees (DSCs) in Kaberamaido and Kalaki districts on June 2, 2026, at their respective district headquarters.

Malole said that while various institutions and members of the public are allowed to nominate individuals for consideration by the PAC, district security committees are strategically placed to identify deserving candidates due to their structure and reach.

The DSC is chaired by the resident district commissioner (RDC) and includes members such as the district police commander (DPC), district chairperson (LC5), chief administrative officer (CAO), district internal security officer (DISO), and the district prisons officer, among others.

She noted that many members of the public have raised concerns about how national honours and awards beneficiaries are identified, saying that ongoing sensitisation should help address such questions.

Malole explained that nominations can be submitted through RDC offices, which convene DSC meetings to vet candidates with strong records before forwarding their names to the PAC.

She added that under the Presidential Awards Act of 2001, government recognises outstanding service and achievement through orders, medals and decorations awarded to civilians and military personnel across sectors, including academia, culture, media, religion, industry and sports.

Malole emphasised that the process should remain transparent, noting that background checks are conducted on all submitted names.

She further said that the structure of district security committees, which extends to village level, positions them well to identify individuals who have positively impacted their communities.

Members of DSCs react

Kaberamaido LC5 chairperson Albert Anthony Ejoku, who is among previous medal recipients, said he was unaware of how he was nominated.

“I was surprised when I received a call asking me to go to Nakaseke for a medal. This approach of making people know how one gets identified is important,” Ejoku said.

Kaberamaido RDC Godfrey Nyakahuma said the directive had come at the right time now that elections were concluded.

He said this would allow district leaders to review potential candidates and forward names for consideration.

Kalaki district speaker Charles David Enepu said there were individuals who supported President Yoweri Museveni from the days of FRONASA but had not yet been recognised.

He said such cases would be reviewed using available records, adding that some FRONASA members had since died and deserved posthumous recognition.

Enepu also noted challenges surrounding public expectations, particularly financial demands linked to awards.

He cited a case where a medal recipient from Karamoja reportedly complained about a lack of transport assistance after travelling to receive the honour.

“The old man told me he was given a medal, but returned without any transport. Such things need to be clarified to those to be awarded medals,” Enepu said.

Kalaki RDC Chris Mike Okirya said the Teso sub-region had experienced several insurgencies, including cattle rustling, the Uganda People’s Army (UPA), the Holy Spirit Movement of Alice Lakwena, and the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), and noted that many individuals played key roles in restoring peace.

He said contributors, including members of auxiliary forces such as the Arrow Boys, would be considered for recognition.

Kalaki acting district education officer Stephen Ogwara said some religious leaders had also contributed significantly to societal transformation and should be considered for honours.

Kalaki LC5 vice chairperson Christine Areo said it was her first time receiving detailed information on how individuals are identified for national awards.