Heroes' Day to be marked scientifically

Jun 08, 2020

A few guests will be invited to State House, Entebbe to attend a ceremony presided over by the President and will be observed as a public holiday.

Uganda marks Heroes Day on June 9 every year with pomp and glamour in commemoration of people who exemplified and defended the highest values of patriotism and sacrifice for the well-being of the country and its citizens.

However, this year's Heroes Day would pass off like any other day for many Ugandans, due to COVID-19 that has taken the focus away from the annual national event and removed public gatherings from the country's political calendar for an indefinite period.

The deputy executive director of Uganda Media Centre, Col Shaban Bantariza, said it would be marked "scientifically".

"A few people would be with the President in State House and then he will address the nation via TV. But that is not in the context of celebrating. We shall mark it from the comfort of our homes with masks on," he said.

Last year's Heroes Day celebrations were held in Kasanje town council in Wakiso district under the theme, Celebrating the courageous heroes that brought the peace and prosperity we are enjoying.

The only major event that was marked publicly this year was International Women's Day on March 8. Uganda did not confirm any case of the Coronavirus within its borders until March 21, prompting the President to announce a lockdown, which among other things, involved banning of public gatherings.

Easter, Idd al-Fitr, International Labour Day and Martyrs Day were all celebrated without public gatherings.

Some of the heroic values celebrated, according to the Minister for Presidency, Esther Mbayo, include proven integrity, patriotism and sacrifice, acts of bravery, setting a good example, truthfulness, and love for others.

"We owe a great debt to the sons and daughters of this country and all the other heroes who fought for Uganda to be free. The tree of our liberty was watered by their blood. It is a debt we can neither repay nor forget," she told the press ahead of 2019's Heroes Day.

She added that the day is an occasion for Ugandans to celebrate, preserve and propagate the precious inheritance left behind by the heroes.

"We gather on June 9 to celebrate both the living and departed heroes," Mbayo added.

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