By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Ritah Atukwatse,
KAMPALA
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni is set to award medals to 33 Ugandans in various categories during the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Liberation Day celebrations slated for January 26, the Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, has said.
“On this occasion, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will confer different categories of medals to 33 Ugandans who have made notable sacrifices in service to the nation,” Babalanda said.
She added that the awards recognise Ugandans whose contributions have helped shape the country’s progress over the years.
Tony Mulambe, the Principal Assistant Secretary in the Department of Chancery at the Office of the President, said the selection of medal recipients follows a clearly defined and rigorous process.
Mulambe explained that individuals are identified based on exceptional and distinguished service rendered to Uganda’s national, regional and international development. He said the verification process involves thorough background checks conducted up to the grassroots level to establish the authenticity of an individual’s achievements.
“For cases involving heroes who sacrificed their lives for the country, we liaise with institutions such as the UPDF to obtain verified information about the individual,” Mulambe said.
He added that the department also relies on an official guide known as the Simplified Framework for Identifying Exemplar Achievers, which outlines the criteria used in the selection process.
Mulambe emphasised that the Department of Chancery does not arbitrarily award medals, noting that nominations are subjected to a structured and transparent vetting process before any honours are conferred.
Liberation Day, marked annually on January 26, commemorates the capture of Kampala by the National Resistance Army (NRA) in 1986, which ended the rule of the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) junta led by the late Gen. Tito Okello Lutwa and ushered in the current government. This year’s event marks the 40th anniversary of Liberation Day and will be held at the Kololo Ceremonial Grounds, with President Museveni expected to be the chief guest. The theme for the celebrations is “Tribute to the Patriots Who Ushered in a Fundamental Change.”
Furthermore, Babalanda said the celebrations will be unique, coming shortly after Museveni’s re-election for a seventh term, as declared by the Electoral Commission. She congratulated Museveni and other leaders declared winners in the recent polls.
“I take this opportunity to congratulate the President-elect, Members of Parliament and all local leaders elected for the 2026–2031 term,” she said.
