The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, has revealed that fewer than 25 guests will attend the commemoration of the 37th Heroes Day celebrations this year. Uganda commemorates Heroes Day every year on June 9, a public holiday traditionally marked by national celebrations attended by multitudes and addressed by the President. The large, official ceremony that rotates through different districts.
However, due to the outbreak of Ebola in neighbouring Congo and restrictions on public gatherings, this year’s Heroes Day celebrations will be held at State House, Entebbe.
“The implication is that there won’t be a public gathering in some specific venue as has been in the previous years,” Babalanda said. “The change in the nature of our commemoration has been due to the fact that the country is observing strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) due to the Ebola epidemic.”
Babalanda said President Museveni will officiate at the function from State House and will be joined by fewer than 25 guests selected from the three arms of government, religious leaders, and representatives of the Luwero Triangle Veterans Association. She added that the rest of the country will follow the President’s message through the national broadcaster, UBC, and other broadcasters with nationwide coverage.
The minister also noted that thanksgiving prayers will be held across the country to commemorate the day. She called upon Ugandans to participate in these prayers at their respective places of worship on the designated dates for different faiths, from Friday, June 5, to Sunday, June 7, 2026. Although celebrations have been scaled down, Heroes Day will remain a public holiday.
Babalanda further explained that since the 37th Heroes Day anniversary falls shortly after the successful swearing-in and inauguration ceremonies of the President-elect, the National Organising Committee has decided to maintain the same theme used during the inauguration celebrations: “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
According to the Ministry of Health, Uganda has registered a total of 15 Ebola cases and one death, with the majority of the infections linked to Congolese nationals. Recently, Ramathan Ggoobi, the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development, revealed that public functions such as Heroes Day celebrations will no longer receive state funding for large gatherings effective 2026/27 financial year. The decision, he explained, is aimed at rationalizing government expenditure and redirecting resources toward wealth creation programmes and other national development priorities.
Ggoobi further stated that Yoweri Museveni will henceforth address the nation via radio and TV broadcasts from State House on national occasions, as cost-saving measures. Heroes Day was instituted to commemorate the events of June 9, 1981. On this day, Edidian Mukiibi Luttamaguzi was killed in Nakaseke by government forces after refusing to betray Commander Yoweri and National Resistance Army freedom fighters who were reportedly hiding at home.
While the heroes Day was intended to honor those involved in the 1981–1986 Bush War, the day has evolved to recognize individuals including civilians, military personnel, and community leaders who have distinguished themselves in service to the nation-URN. Give us feedback on this story through our email: kamwokyatimes@gmail.com
