When children become heroes

On the fateful night of April 14, 2008, a fire at a girls’ dormitory at Budo Junior School led to the death of Yvonne Namaganda, among the 19 pupils killed.

However, it was the heroism displayed by Namaganda, who was a class leader and prefect, which amazed everyone.

Survivors told tales of bravery as Namaganda single-handedly kept returning to the burning dormitory to rescue trapped children who were asleep when the fire started. Unfortunately, after five or so daring rescues, her next attempt turned fatal.

Namaganda’s heroic deed was celebrated by Parliament on June 9, 2017, and she was named a national heroine.

There are child soldiers popularly called Kadogos who participated in the 1981-1985 bush war that brought President Yoweri Museveni to power. 

Such children are among the heroes celebrated on June 9 for having selflessly sacrificed to ensure victory for the National Resistance Army (NRA).

Musa Mukidi, 12, of Nansololo village, Namasagali sub-county in Kamuli district is taking care of his five siblings after both his mother and father fled the home over domestic violence.

According to Mukidi, since 2020, he does odd jobs to earn cash for domestic needs as well as slash the school compound in exchange for tuition.

Not everyone may have the opportunity to demonstrate such heroism, but you can do lots of other heroic deeds, including helping out when another person is in need. 

Here are some examples of heroic ambitions of children.

Working to be a hero

Sylivia Nakirya, a P.5 pupil at Namadope Primary School in Luuka district, says she wants to stand up for the rights of the children and be a child hero.

“Many children are defiled and get pregnant while others are exposed to corporal punishments daily. I aim to stand up for the rights of the children and speak out,” Nakirya claims.

She believes that such a bold move will not only make her known but expose the injustices children are still facing in our society.

Jovan Bwire, 14, a P.7 pupil at Busia Mixed Primary School in Busia district says he wants to excel in rugby and become a national hero.

“Sportsmen are popular once they develop their talent so well. They can represent their country at international events and then make a triumphant return after winning and that is my target,” Bwire says.

Joan Mirembe, 13, a P.6 pupil of Canon Ibula PS in Iganga district says she wants to study hard and be the best pupil in class.

“That will turn me into a hero in school. Everyone will be respecting me as a very bright girl and when I pass PLE with flying colours all newspapers will bear my picture,” Mirembe says.

Rose Kirabo, 11, a P.4 pupil at Busesa Primary School in Bugweri district says she wants to be a good athlete who can represent his school at national competitions and emerge victorious.

“That is my dream and I keep practising in the sports field. In future I may win a gold medal for Uganda like Dorcus Inzikuru did in 1999 and become a hero,” Kirabo notes.

Geoffrey Mugabi, a P.6 pupil at Namalemba PS in Bugweri district says he wants to excel in soccer and become a household name as he plays soccer of professional standard.

“The soccer players are heroes and society hold them in high esteem. That is why when they win international contests, they first dine with the President at State House on return,” Mugabi says.

Solome Kagoya, a P.3 pupil at Musita PS in Mayuge district says she wants to polish her netball skills to professional standards to attain hero status.

“I want to be on the national teams’ lineup and thereby gain fame. Then all my heroic deeds for the team will be documented regularly in the press,” Kagoya says.

Sustaining status

Rt. Rev. Samuel Bogere Egesa, the Bishop of Bukedi Diocese urges children aiming for heroism to ensure they can sustain that status.

“A hero can become a villain overnight if the ideals of heroism aren’t upheld. Once you become a hero, remain humble and God will keep you a hero for life,” Egesa advises.