Museveni pays tribute to heroes who laid foundation for country's peace

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President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to the men and women whose sacrifices laid the foundation for Uganda's peace, stability and socio-economic transformation, describing their contribution as the cornerstone of the country's progress.

Speaking during the national Heroes Day celebrations held virtually from State House Nakasero on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, Museveni reflected on the significance of the day and the sacrifices made by thousands of Ugandans during the liberation struggle.

The commemoration, held under the theme "Protecting the gains as we make a qualitative leap into high middle-income status", was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth, Chief Justice Dr Flavian Zeija, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, ministers, religious leaders, veterans' representatives and other invited guests.

Heroes Day is observed annually on June 9 to honour individuals who made extraordinary contributions to Uganda's liberation, development and national progress. The occasion serves as a reminder of the sacrifices made by freedom fighters and ordinary citizens who dedicated their lives to building a peaceful and prosperous nation.

President Yoweri Museveni addressing the nation virtually from State House Nakasero during the commemoration of Heroes Day on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. (PPU)

Addressing the nation, Museveni explained why June 9 was chosen as the date for the commemoration, saying it symbolises the sacrifices of the many Ugandans who lost their lives during the liberation struggle, particularly in the Luwero Triangle.

"June 9, 1981, was selected to represent all of the hundreds of thousands who were killed in the Luwero Triangle, especially," Museveni said.

He recalled that following the war, authorities recovered human remains from numerous mass graves, illustrating the scale of atrocities committed during the conflict.

"After the war, we collected skulls in 32 communal graves. And each one had about 2,000 skulls, so you can count how many people," he said.

The President explained that June 9 specifically commemorates nine people who were killed in Kikandwa village near Semuto.

"We selected the 9th of June because that is when, in the village of Kikandwa, near Semuto, nine of them were killed. That is why we selected that day to represent all the other sacrifices," he said.

Museveni said the National Resistance Army struggle was driven by the need to rescue Uganda from economic collapse, poor governance, insecurity and the breakdown of essential social services.

"In the case of Uganda, the economy had collapsed because of mistakes. The governance had collapsed. Education and health had collapsed," he said.

Reflecting on the objectives of the liberation struggle, Museveni noted that democracy was among its central goals.

"Aim number one was democracy. Let the people choose their leaders," he said.

The President also highlighted achievements registered since 1986, particularly in healthcare, citing the success of immunisation programmes that have significantly reduced deaths from preventable diseases.

Vice President Jessica Alupo (right) with the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja (left) during the commemoration of Heroes Day from State House Nakasero on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. (PPU)

Vice President Jessica Alupo reaffirmed Cabinet's commitment to implementing government programmes and delivering on national priorities under what she described as the President's "Kisanja of no sleep and no snoring."

"I would like, Your Excellency, to start by thanking you sincerely on behalf of all the members of the Cabinet whom you appointed to serve the government in this Kisanja of no sleep and no snoring," Alupo said.

She assured Ugandans that ministers would remain focused on service delivery and implementation of government programmes.

"As you have said, no snoring this time, no sleep. We shall commit ourselves to your guidance, and we shall serve with diligence," she said, adding that the government remained committed to improving citizens' welfare and supporting veterans who contributed to Uganda's liberation.

Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda praised Uganda's heroes for their courage and sacrifice, describing Heroes Day as an opportunity to reflect on the struggles that shaped the nation.

"Today we gather as a nation to honour the men and women whose courage, sacrifice and steadfastness have shaped the Uganda we are proud to call home," Babalanda said.

She noted that Uganda's progress had been achieved through determination and sacrifice rather than chance.

"Heroes Day reminds us that our nation's progress was never handed to us on a silver platter; it was earned through sacrifice," she said.

Babalanda credited veterans with helping rescue Uganda from political instability, economic decline and insecurity, while also applauding the transformation of the Uganda People's Defence Forces into a professional force contributing to regional peace and security.

(PPU)

(PPU)

She further urged Ugandans to embrace hard work, accountability and wealth creation, saying, "We must reject corruption, waste and dependence while embracing wealth creation, accountability, innovation and hard work."

Luwero Triangle state minister Alice Kaboyo highlighted ongoing government efforts to improve the welfare of civilian veterans and communities that supported the liberation struggle.

"A total of 250 income-generating enterprises have so far been supported with grants through the micro-projects programme," Kaboyo said.

She revealed that many veterans continue to face challenges related to poverty, poor housing and age-related illnesses, prompting the ministry to partner with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC) to construct affordable housing for vulnerable beneficiaries.

"Given the meagre resources at hand, I deemed it wise to enter into partnership with NEC to construct low-cost houses for our people," she said, noting that 16 houses had so far been completed in several districts.

Kaboyo also reported progress in supporting veterans through gratuity payments and infrastructure interventions. She said 13,681 veterans had received one-off akasiimo gratuity payments, bringing the cumulative number of beneficiaries to 93,514 civilian veterans.