By KT Reporter
Leaders in Kitgum District have been urged to display portraits and names of Ugandans who have received national honours in their council halls as a way of promoting patriotism and inspiring future generations.
The call was made during a sensitisation meeting organised by the Office of the President’s Chancery of Honours and Awards at the Kitgum RDC’s Boardroom on Tuesday.
The session aimed at orienting district leaders on the legal framework, nomination process, and significance of Uganda’s national honours and awards system.
Speaking at the meeting, Tonny Mulambe, the Principal Assistant Secretary in the Office of the President, explained that displaying outstanding achievers in council halls would help communities “own their people” who have contributed to the nation’s development, and inspire others and the young generation to work hard for Uganda.
Mulambo stressed that decentralising mini halls of fame to district council halls would enable local communities, especially schoolchildren, to learn about and draw inspiration from citizens who have made significant contributions to the nation.
The leaders were also told to start awarding exceptional performers at the district, as medals are not unique to Uganda, but date back to the 19th century.
Mulambe explained that while awards at the national level are a sign of patriotism and encouragement to other Ugandans to work hard for their country to be a better place to live in, district leaders can also emulate and start awarding the best performers to encourage hard work and excellence.
He added that although the medals cannot be equated to the individual’s contribution, it is a sign of appreciation for the individual’s contribution.
Participants were also reminded that nominations must be done discreetly, with detailed and accurate information about the nominee’s achievements, lest they be disqualified.
“Outstanding achievers are rare, and information provided must be factual, properly documented, and verifiable,” Mulambe stressed.
It was also noted that leaders at the local government level are not fully aware of their role in identifying outstanding citizens whose contributions merit acknowledgement by the state and the benefits an awardee has.
The National Owners and Awards Act of 2001 provides privileges to the medalists, including recognising them during state functions, giving them priority while accessing services from the public amenities such as hospitals, registration centres and banks, among others, open invitation and front seats during events.
During the meeting, a list of more than 20 individuals who have received medals in Kitgum was read. However, the leaders were advised to sensitise the medalists to maintain good behaviour, as the medals can be revoked when the receiver commits a crime.
Christopher Obol Arwai, the Kitgum district chairperson, commended the office of the chancery for organising such a training, and noted that the district has individuals at the local and national level who deserve to be recognised.
Florence Alupo, the deputy CID officer of Kitgum, was awarded a national golden jubilee medal on 6th February 2022.
Alupo said that although she was told how and when to wear the medal, she did not have enough knowledge on how to carry herself as a medalist.
“I didn’t know that to be a medalist I need to live an exemplary life and not play around…I didn’t know that the medal could be removed when I misbehave,” Alupo said.
National honours and awards are conferred in respect of recognising people who have made meritorious contributions to the local or national interest of the country’s peace, security, health, and cultural promotions, among others.
The awards are in the form of orders, medals and decorations which are given to individuals after proposals of honour and awards from individuals, ministries, agencies of government, nongovernmental and corporate organisations, which are submitted in the field of civil and military sectors, academic, culture, media, religion and sports, among others.
Annually, the chancery received an average of 100 nominations for awards, but between 60 to 70 are awarded.
Uganda currently confers national honours during six annual state functions: Independence Day, Victory Day, Tarehe Sita, International Women’s Day, International Labour Day, and Heroes Day.
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