KYAMBOGO, UGANDA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has called upon Ugandans to preserve the memory of the men and women who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberation, warning that a nation that forgets its heroes risks losing its identity, values and sense of purpose.
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, President Museveni emphasized that the freedom, peace and stability enjoyed today were paid for through the blood and sacrifice of courageous Ugandans.
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 to honour those who paid the ultimate price for Uganda.
“A country that forgets its fallen warriors loses its soul,” President Museveni said in his message, urging citizens to remember, pray for and honour the heroes whose sacrifices changed the course of Uganda’s history.
The President noted that Uganda’s liberation was not won by fighters on the battlefield alone. He praised ordinary citizens, particularly peasants and community members, who supported the struggle despite enormous risks and hardships.
“It takes the sacrifice of warriors to cause a turn of events in society and to create visible impact,” he said, stressing that many who gave their lives were motivated not by personal gain but by a vision of a better Uganda for future generations.
President Museveni said remembering liberation heroes should go beyond annual commemorations and become a national responsibility that inspires patriotism, discipline, hard work and integrity among citizens.
He challenged young Ugandans to learn the history of the liberation struggle and appreciate the sacrifices made by both military and civilian contributors, arguing that understanding the past is essential to safeguarding the gains achieved over the last four decades.
Speaking at the event, Hajjat Namyalo said the spiritual revival was organized to ensure that the stories and sacrifices of Uganda’s liberation heroes are not forgotten.
She noted that many individuals who laid down their lives for the country’s freedom have gradually faded from public memory despite their immense contribution to the nation’s progress.
“Our heroes did not sacrifice their lives for recognition or reward; they did so because they believed in a better Uganda. Remembering them should inspire us to protect the values they fought for and continue building the nation they dreamed of,” Namyalo said.
The ceremony became even more emotional as relatives and descendants of fallen heroes joined the gathering, reminding attendees that behind every chapter of Uganda’s liberation history are families that continue to carry the legacy and pain of sacrifice.
Among those honoured were renowned liberation figures including Capt. Valeriano Rwaheru, James Karuhanga, Ahmed Kashillingi, Maj. Gen. Fred Rwigyema and Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso, among others.
