Kampala, Uganda: The government has announced that this year’s 37th Heroes Day Anniversary will be commemorated through a scientific function at State House Entebbe on June 9, with no public gathering, as Uganda continues to implement strict measures to prevent the spread of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Addressing a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday morning, Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda said the annual national celebrations had been scaled down in line with Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) being observed during the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
“On the 9th of June 2026, Uganda is scheduled to hold celebrations marking the 37th Heroes Day Anniversary at State House Entebbe in a scientific manner. The implication is that there won’t be a public gathering in some specific venue as it has been in the previous years,” Babalanda said.
She explained that the decision follows President Yoweri Museveni’s earlier move to postpone the annual Uganda Martyrs Pilgrimage after consultations with the National Epidemic Response Task Force and religious leaders.
According to Babalanda, the decision was influenced by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), from where Uganda traditionally receives thousands of pilgrims every year.
“As you may recall, on 16th May 2026, His Excellency the President, after consultation with the National Epidemic Response Task Force and religious leaders, decided to postpone the much-anticipated Annual Uganda Martyrs Pilgrimage due to the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo,” she said.
She added that the decision was intended to safeguard public health and prevent possible cross-border transmission of the disease.
The Presidency Minister further noted that on May 17, 2026, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak affecting both Uganda and the DRC a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
She said it would therefore be impractical for government to organise a mass gathering for Heroes Day only six days after the scaled-down Uganda Martyrs Day commemorations.
“As you may notice, the Heroes Day celebrations fall only six days after the Uganda Martyrs Day of June 3. It thus makes sense to assume that it may not be possible to congregate Ugandans at Kololo on June 9, 2026.”
Babalanda revealed that the National Organising Committee had resolved to retain the national theme adopted during President Museveni’s swearing-in and inauguration ceremonies.
The theme for this year’s celebrations is: “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
Only 25 guests invited
Ms Babalanda added that President Museveni will officiate at the ceremony and will be joined 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 the country will receive the President’s message via the national broadcaster, UBC, and other broadcasters that have national audiences,” she said.
To enable Ugandans to participate in commemorating the country’s heroes, government has directed that thanksgiving prayers be held nationwide.
The Minister called on Muslims to hold prayers on Friday, June 5, Seventh-day Adventists on Saturday, June 6, and Christians from other denominations on Sunday, June 7.
“Thanksgiving prayers shall be held throughout the country to commemorate this auspicious day. I call upon all Ugandans to attend these prayers in their respective places of worship on the designated dates,” she said.
Babalanda also used the opportunity to urge Ugandans to remain vigilant and continue observing Ebola prevention measures.
“As the government takes charge of managing the Ebola pandemic, I urge all Ugandans to follow the Standard Operating Procedures to combat the spread of Ebola Virus Disease. Regularly wash your hands with clean running water and soap or use alcohol-based hand sanitisers. Avoid touching bodily fluids and contaminated surfaces,” she said.
Babalanda disclosed that government had not yet received confirmation of any foreign dignitaries expected to attend the ceremony but pledged to update the country should any developments arise.
Despite the scaled-down celebrations, Heroes Day will remain a public holiday across Uganda.
Observed annually on June 9, Heroes Day honours Ugandans who made exceptional sacrifices and contributions towards the country’s liberation, peace, development and nation-building.
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