The Government of Uganda has announced that the 37th Heroes’ Day Anniversary celebrations slated for June 9, 2026, will be held in a scientific manner at State House Entebbe due to heightened health concerns linked to the Ebola outbreak.
Addressing the media during a press briefing, the Minister of Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, said the annual national event would not attract the usual public gathering as the country continues to observe strict Standard Operating Procedures aimed at preventing the spread of Ebola.
“The implication is that there won’t be a public gathering in some specific venue as it has been in the previous years. The change in nature of our commemoration has been due to the fact that the country is observing strict Standard Operating Procedures due to the Ebola pandemic,” Babalanda said.
She explained that the decision followed government consultations with health experts and religious leaders after concerns emerged over the Ebola outbreak in the neighboring Democratic Republic of Congo, which has also affected Uganda.
According to Minister Babalanda, Uganda’s vulnerability is heightened by the annual influx of pilgrims from Eastern Congo during national religious events.
“Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims annually from Eastern Congo which is currently experiencing an Ebola outbreak; hence the need to safeguard everyone’s lives,” she noted.
The minister further revealed that this year’s Heroes’ Day celebrations will be held under the theme, “Protecting the Gains as we make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status,” the same theme used during the recent presidential swearing-in and inaugural ceremonies.
President Yoweri Museveni is expected to officiate at the function, accompanied by fewer than 25 invited guests drawn from the three arms of government, religious leaders, and representatives of the Luwero Triangle Veteran Association.
The rest of Ugandans will follow the President’s message through the national broadcaster and other media platforms.
Minister Babalanda also called upon Ugandans to participate in nationwide thanksgiving prayers organized in mosques and churches ahead of Heroes’ Day, emphasizing the importance of national unity and remembrance of the country’s heroes despite the public health challenges.
She reassured the public that Heroes’ Day will remain a national public holiday, adding that government will update the country should there be any developments regarding state visitors expected for the occasion.
