UAE Prince to receive highest honour on Heroes Day

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Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, the Prince of the royal family of Al Maktoum in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will be awarded the Distinguished Order of the Crested Crane 1st class medal by President Yoweri Museveni during the Heroes Day celebrations on Sunday.

The 35th National Heroes Day will be commemorated at Kasooli in Mpenja sub-county, in Gomba district. Museveni will preside over the event where 49 people, including Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, will be awarded medals for their distinguished service to Uganda.

Others will be awarded medals of categories that include distinguished order of the crested crane 2nd class, Masaba, diamond jubilee, gallantry star, and long service gold medals.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Maktoum bin Juma Al Maktoum, Prince of the Royal Family of Al Maktoum. (Courtesy photo)

Sheik Mohammed Bin Maktoum Bin Juma Al Maktoum’s company called Alpha MBM last year signed a partnership agreement with the Uganda government to develop a $4 billion 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.

According to the arrangement, Masaba medal shall be given out to the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) officials, Diamond jubilee to police, prisons and some civilians.

The national event shall be running under the theme of; “Hail our legends: a secure Uganda is now a reality”. The theme, according to Milly Babalanda, the minister for presidency, highlights the efforts made by the Government in ensuring security which she says has enabled national development.

She noted that heroes, both living and dead, all paid the highest price to ensure that the country was secure. On this, Babalanda called on Ugandans to embrace the day, noting that the celebration is worth the purpose.

“We are remembering them because they did not die in vain and those that are still living can bear testimony. Uganda is secure and steadily transforming,” the minister said.

Babalanda called on Uganda to embrace unity, peace and harmony with determined patriotism arguing that those were among the guiding principles during the liberation war that saw the country secure since 1986.

“This is a historic day on which we reflect on the contributions of our heroes and heroines in the political and socio-economic transformation of Uganda,” Babalanda said.

Why Gomba?

She explained that President Museveni had directed that celebrations be held in Gomba district which was formerly part of Greater Mpigi district in 1980s, because it was a “resistance corridor” during the liberation war.

The minister further noted that the area was formerly occupied by the Uganda Freedom Movement (UFM) and Federation Democratic Movement (FEDEMU) fighters who she said later integrated with the Nation Resistance Army (NRA) after they suffered numerous war setbacks against Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA) forces.

“This corridor served as the route where new NRA recruits from the deep western part of Uganda used as they joined the centre of resistance struggle in Luwero,” Babalanda explained.

She noted that main coordinates of the recruitments included the late Col. Poteli Kivuna, late Maj. Victor Bwana, Lt. (Rtd) Kutesa Nyenyezi, Maj. Gen (Rtd) John Mugume and a one Male.

Among brave fighters from Gomba and the greater Mpigi area, according to Babalanda included: Kanani Sekiziyuvu, Eriakasi Kizito, David Lubaka, Josephine Mutagwa (mother of current Gomba district Chairperson Lt. (Rtd) Geoffrey Kaviri, B.K Wesige and Nalongo Mpenja.