President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has urged Ugandans to preserve the memory of men and women who sacrificed their lives during the country’s liberation struggle, warning that forgetting fallen heroes could rob the nation of its identity and sense of purpose.
Museveni made the call in a message delivered by Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja during a special spiritual revival and remembrance ceremony organized by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) at Kyambogo on Tuesday.
The event, spearheaded by ONC Manager and Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, popularly known as the Chief Muzzukulu, brought together religious leaders, liberation veterans, families of fallen fighters, political leaders and members of the public.
In his message, Museveni said Uganda’s freedom, peace and stability came at a cost, with courageous Ugandans paying the ultimate price during the liberation struggle.
“A country that forgets its fallen warriors loses its soul.”
The President urged Ugandans to remember, pray for and honour the heroes whose sacrifices, he said, changed the course of the country’s history.
Museveni also noted that Uganda’s liberation was not achieved by fighters on the battlefield alone. He recognized the contribution of ordinary citizens, particularly peasants and community members who supported the struggle despite the risks and hardships involved.
“It takes the sacrifice of warriors to cause a turn of events in society and to create visible impact.”
He said many of those who sacrificed their lives were driven by a vision of a better Uganda rather than personal gain.
The President called for the remembrance of liberation heroes to go beyond annual ceremonies, saying their sacrifices should inspire patriotism, discipline, hard work and integrity among Ugandans.
He particularly challenged young people to learn the history of Uganda’s liberation struggle and understand the contributions of both military and civilian participants.
According to Museveni, understanding the sacrifices of the past is essential to protecting the gains made over the years and building the Uganda envisioned by those who fought for its liberation.
Speaking at the ceremony, Hajjat Namyalo said the spiritual revival was organized to ensure that the stories and sacrifices of Uganda’s liberation heroes remain part of the country’s collective memory.
She observed that many people who gave their lives for Uganda’s freedom have gradually faded from public memory despite their contribution to the country.
“Our heroes did not sacrifice their lives for recognition or reward; they did so because they believed in a better Uganda.”
Namyalo said remembering the fallen should inspire Ugandans to protect the values for which they sacrificed and continue developing the country they envisioned.
The ceremony also brought an emotional dimension to the commemorations as relatives and descendants of fallen heroes joined the gathering, highlighting the families that continue to carry the legacy and pain of the liberation struggle.
Among the liberation figures honoured were Capt. Valeriano Rwaheru, James Karuhanga, Ahmed Kashillingi, Maj. Gen. Fred Rwigyema and Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso, among others.
