Museveni unveils Heroes Monument at Kasooli-Wegomba

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GOMBA - President Yoweri Museveni on Sunday presided over the unveiling of the state-of-the-art Heroes Monument at Kasooli-Wegomba, Gomba district in commemoration of the heroes who died during the Luweero Triangle Bush war. 

After the event the President, the Speaker of Parliament, Anita Among, the Chief Justice, Owinyi Dollo, the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, among others laid a wreath and the President and his entourage joined the main celebrations for the 35th National Heroes Day at Kasooli at Mpenja sub-county headquarters.

The celebrations were conducted under the theme; "Hail our legends: A Secure Uganda Is Now a Reality."

A memorial parade was also conducted in honour of the fallen combatants and civilian collaborators in the five-year protracted bush war between 1981 and 1986 that brought in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government.

The fallen heroes were also accorded a gun salute to honour their sacrifice to the nation.

Several guests graced the celebrations at Mpenja sub-county headquarters including the Vice President Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, the National Resistance Movement (NRM) vice chairman, Moses Kigongo, ministers, Members of Parliament, Ambassadors and other diplomats.

“This is the day of Ssabalwanyi (President Museveni) and our gallant fighters, it is their day to celebrate and he will introduce his special guests and possibly invite them to talk,” the Presidency Minister, Milly Babalanda said.

Among other guests at the venue was the President’s special guest of the day, Sheikh Mohammed Al Maktoum, the Prince of the royal family of Al Maktoum, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The Prince was awarded the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane 1st class medal by President Museveni.

He is among the 49 individuals honored by the President with a prestigious medal.
Sheik Mohammed Al Marktoum’s company Alpha MBM last year signed a partnership agreement with the Uganda government to develop a $4billion oil refinery.

That collaboration, as confirmed by the Minister of Energy and Mineral Development, Ruth Nankabirwa, marked a crucial step in Uganda’s efforts to process its crude oil domestically.

Gomba district was part of the resistance corridor during the war where Uganda Freedom Movement and FEDEMU fighters bravely joined forces with the National Resistance Army (NRA).

The selection of the area to host Heroes Day according to Babalanda is an acknowledgement and paying homage to the brave souls who fought valiantly for Uganda's liberation.