Museveni Reveals Heroes Day Story, Maps Uganda’s Next Battle

President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to Uganda’s liberation heroes, urging citizens to honor their sacrifices by embracing economic transformation and ensuring that every household participates in the country’s growing economy.

In his Heroes Day message, Museveni said June 9 was chosen to commemorate the hundreds of thousands of Ugandans who lost their lives during years of conflict, particularly in the Luweero Triangle during the liberation struggle.

“The 9th of June 1981 was chosen to represent the hundreds of thousands who were killed, especially in the Luweero Triangle,” Museveni said, recalling how skulls collected from 32 communal graves were preserved as a reminder of the atrocities committed against Ugandans.

The President said Uganda was facing a severe crisis when the National Resistance Army launched the bush war, citing economic collapse, insecurity, poor governance, and the denial of citizens’ democratic rights for nearly two decades.

President Yoweri Museveni (wearing mask) with other government, security and religious leaders

According to Museveni, the liberation struggle was guided by clear objectives: restoring democracy, guaranteeing security, expanding and diversifying the economy, and rebuilding the country.

He thanked both civilian and armed veterans who participated in the struggle and contributed to achieving those goals, while also paying tribute to families whose loved ones died during the conflict.

“I thank the civilian and armed veterans who joined us in this struggle and helped achieve these goals. I also salute the families of those heroes who are no longer with us,” he said.

Museveni noted that while significant progress has been made in restoring stability and rebuilding the country, Uganda’s current challenge is economic transformation.

“The challenge before us now is economic transformation and ensuring that every household joins the money economy,” he said.

Heroes Day is observed annually to honor individuals who made significant contributions and sacrifices in Uganda’s struggle for freedom, peace, and national development.