As Uganda prepares to commemorate the 37th National Heroes Day on June 9th, the government has announced a scaled-down celebration due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak that was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern by the Director-General of the World Health Organisation. The Minister for the Presidency (Designate), Hon. Milly Babalanda, says this year’s celebrations will be held under strict health guidelines to safeguard lives while honouring the men and women whose sacrifices contributed to Uganda’s liberation and development. Our reporter has the details.

Heroes Day is celebrated annually on June 9th to Honor Ugandans who made extraordinary sacrifices in the struggle for the country’s freedom, peace, democracy, and socio-economic transformation. The day traces its origins to the resistance movements that fought against oppression and laid the foundation for the Uganda enjoyed today.

While addressing the media on Thursday, the Minister for the Presidency (Designate), Hon. Milly Babalanda, said that the Government of Uganda is preparing to commemorate the 37th National Heroes Day amid heightened public health concerns following the Ebola outbreak in the country

Babalanda noted that the Director-General of the World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, a development that has compelled the government to adopt precautionary measures aimed at protecting citizens from further spread of the disease.

The minister further explained that the Heroes Day celebrations will take place during a health scare period, making it difficult to host the usual large gatherings at Kololo Ceremonial Grounds. She said the government has therefore resolved to hold a limited event in line with public health guidelines and Ebola prevention measures.

Babalanda added that since this year’s event marks the 37th Heroes Day celebrations and comes shortly after the inauguration of the President-elect, the National Organising Committee resolved to retain the theme that guided the presidential swearing-in ceremony: “Protecting Our Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into Middle-Income Status.”

According to the minister, the theme reflects the government’s commitment to safeguarding the country’s achievements while accelerating social and economic transformation.

Regarding attendance, Babalanda revealed that His Excellency President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will officiate at the celebrations and will be accompanied by a restricted number of invited guests. These will include representatives from the three arms of government, religious leaders, and members of the Luwero Triangle Veterans Association. She emphasised that the decision to limit attendance is intended to minimise the risk of Ebola transmission while ensuring the significance of the national event is maintained.

The minister also disclosed that the government had not yet finalised arrangements regarding the invitation of foreign dignitaries and heads of state. However, she assured the country that any developments on the matter would be communicated in due course.