By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
Uganda will mark the 37th National Heroes Day celebrations with a much smaller scale of fewer than 25 guests at State House, Entebbe on June 9.
The Minister-designate for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, announced the changes during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday.
Babalanda said the celebrations, which had initially been planned as a large national event at Kololo Independence Grounds, were revised following concerns over the Ebola epidemic.
“His Excellency Yoweri Kaguta Museveni will officiate at the function and will be joined by less than 25 guests,” she said.
According to the minister, the invited guests will be drawn from the three arms of government, religious institutions and the Luweero Triangle Veterans Association.
She added that unlike previous celebrations, there will be no awarding of medals during this year’s event.
Babalanda also revealed that the Government does not expect to host any foreign dignitaries during the celebrations.
“At the moment, we have not yet received any indications of state guests to grace the occasion. I will brief the country on this matter as new developments unfold,” she said.
National Heroes Day, celebrated annually on June 9, honours Ugandans who made outstanding contributions to the country’s liberation struggle and development.
Despite the scaled-down celebrations, Babalanda said the day will remain a public holiday, allowing Ugandans across the country to commemorate the sacrifices and achievements of the nation’s heroes.
The Government has in recent months heightened public health vigilance measures following the resurgence of Ebola, prompting authorities to limit large gatherings as part of efforts to prevent the spread of the disease.
This year’s commemoration will therefore be conducted under strict public health considerations, with the main function restricted to a small gathering at State House. Minister Babalanda said the celebration will be marked under the theme: “Protecting the gains as we make a qualitative leap into high middle-income status.”
