As Uganda marks the 37th Heroes Day celebrations, leaders in Kabale District have called on citizens to reflect on the sacrifices made by the country’s heroes in securing peace and freedom, while urging greater accountability among leaders.
The National Celebrations were held virtually at State Lodge, Nakasero in Kampala presided by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. This year’s celebrations registered limited physical attendance, with fewer than 25 guests due to Ebola-related restrictions.
Speaking with our reporter on Tuesday, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Kabale District, Michael Muramira Kyakashaari, asked Ugandan’s to preserve and promote the peace secured through the sacrifices of the country’s heroes.
According to Kyakashaari, maintaining peace remains critical in safeguarding Uganda’s achievements and advancing the country toward middle-income status.
He noted that the prevailing peace and stability in Uganda were achieved through the sacrifices of the National Resistance Army (NRA), which fought to restore security and stability in the country. He encouraged citizens to make productive use of the peaceful environment by engaging in income-generating activities to improve their livelihoods.
Kyakashaari emphasized that while peace alone does not directly provide economic benefits, it creates an enabling environment for citizens to work hard and improve their standards of living.
He particularly encouraged rural communities to embrace agriculture and other development initiatives as a means of fighting poverty.
He further cautioned Ugandans against taking the prevailing peace and security for granted, urging citizens to invest in development and actively contribute to socio-economic transformation.
Kyakashaari also called upon people in the Kigezi sub-region and across the country to safeguard the peace secured through sacrifice, saying it should serve as a foundation for sustainable development.
CUE IN MICHAEL….ON HEROES DAY…..RR//
Meanwhile, Lydia Turyahumura, former chairperson of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in Kabale District, said Heroes Day would be more meaningful if its core ideals, including fighting corruption and protecting freedom of speech, were fully implemented.
Turyahumura expressed concern over recent corruption allegations involving large sums of money reportedly recovered from the residence of a former Speaker of Parliament, describing the situation as unfortunate and a setback to public trust.
She also criticized what she described as unequal treatment under the law, alleging that some individuals are arrested and detained while others facing similar accusations remain free.
Turyahumura said some of the original objectives of the liberation struggle have not yet been fully realized, calling on leaders to reflect on their service and prioritize the interests of citizens over personal gain.
CUE IN TURYAHUMURA…ON HEROES DAY….RR//
