National awards to continue despite funding cuts to state celebrations

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The Chancery and Presidential Awards Committee has assured Ugandans that the recognition of outstanding citizens will continue despite the government's decision to stop funding several national celebrations as part of wider cost-cutting measures.

The assurance follows concerns that national honours and medals could be affected after the government announced it would no longer finance major commemorative events such as Independence Day, Labour Day and International Women's Day.

Led by Dr Beatrice Wabudeya, the committee says it remains committed to recognising individuals whose contributions have had a significant impact on national development and community welfare.

The concerns emerged after finance ministry permanent secretary and Secretary to the Treasury Ramathan Ggoobi announced that funding for several national events would be withdrawn as part of efforts to reduce public expenditure.

The announcement raised questions about the future of national awards, which have traditionally been presented during such celebrations.

During sensitisation meetings held last week across districts in the Teso sub-region and organised by the Chancery and Presidential Awards Committee, several leaders expressed concern about how national honours would be awarded in the absence of the events that have historically hosted the ceremonies.

Amuria chief administrative officer Florence Nabukwasi questioned how the government would continue recognising outstanding individuals without the budgets previously attached to national celebrations.

Hajat Malole Zaminah, Secretary Presidential awards in the office of the President centre sensitized and popularized national honours and awards to leaders in Kapelebyong last week. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)

Addressing participants, Hajat Zaminah Malole, Chancellor and Secretary of the Presidential Awards Committee, reassured leaders that the programme would continue under the National Honours and Awards Act, 2001, as amended.

She explained that while medals are often presented during national celebrations, the awards are not tied exclusively to those events, and alternative arrangements would continue to be used where necessary.

“We schedule these recognitions around national events for logistical reasons, but there have been instances where we honoured medallists at State House or other venues,” she explained.

Malole said the committee remained committed to ensuring that deserving individuals continue to receive recognition for their service to the country.

Shaban Ssentongo, the herald for the Chancery of the President responsible for national honours and awards, urged Ugandans to appreciate the significance of receiving national medals.

He said the National Honours and Awards Act provides a range of privileges to medal recipients, including priority recognition at state functions, expedited access to public services and invitations to official and community events.

“A medallist is always served first at public offices, whether at health facilities, airports, banks, or anywhere else across the country. They do not have to wait in line for services,” Ssentongo stated.

He added that honours and decorations can be withdrawn if they are misused. However, they remain valid for life and may be inherited by the recipient's heirs after death.

The responsibility for nominating individuals for national honours rests with district leadership structures, which are expected to identify citizens whose contributions have advanced Uganda's development and inspired excellence within their communities.

Under Article 98 of the 1995 Constitution, the President is the sole authority designated as the Fountain of Honour and is responsible for conferring honorary titles on citizens and non-citizens in recognition of exceptional service to the nation.

Nominations from Ministries, Departments and Agencies, non-governmental organisations and reputable individuals are submitted to the Chancery Department, where the Presidential Awards Committee assesses candidates before forwarding recommendations to the President for final approval.

Amuria resident district commissioner Paul Eseru said national recognition plays an important role in motivating citizens and encouraging continued service.

RDC Amuria, Paul Eseru. (Credit: Delux Emmy Alomu)

He said many people work diligently but feel renewed and appreciated when their efforts are formally recognised through national honours.

Eseru described the sensitisation campaign as both timely and necessary, saying it encouraged people to aspire to national recognition and emulate those who have already been honoured.

Amuria district chairperson Isaac Okello Omiat said raising awareness about national honours was particularly important for elected leaders, many of whom had limited knowledge of the programme.

He noted that some deserving individuals in the Teso sub-region may have missed opportunities for recognition due to a lack of information and urged leaders to serve with integrity so that their contributions can be acknowledged.

District security committees were also cautioned against submitting nominations without clearly demonstrating a candidate's contribution to society.

Officials were encouraged to submit nominations throughout the year to allow sufficient time for scrutiny and assessment of deserving candidates.

The country's honours system includes civilian, military, police and prisons service decorations and medals, among other categories of national recognition.