Ntungamo District leaders have urged civil servants to embrace patriotism, integrity and selfless service as Uganda commemorates Heroes Day, emphasizing that public servants can become modern-day heroes through their contributions to national development.
Speaking to Nile Post, district officials said Heroes Day should not only be remembered as a historical event but also serve as an opportunity for public servants to reflect on their role in transforming society through effective service delivery.
Ntungamo District Chief Administrative Officer Fedelis Kiiza said civil servants should view themselves as potential heroes by carrying out their duties diligently and contributing to the well-being of communities.
“We as civil servants, especially in Ntungamo District, are not looking at Heroes Day as a historical event, but something that should encourage us to work as civil servants so that in future we also be put on record as heroes in our various sectors,” Kiiza said.
He noted that heroes exist in many sectors of society, citing teachers, health workers and farmers as examples of individuals whose daily contributions sustain communities and drive national progress.
“We recognize teachers in schools for shaping the minds of the young generation. Look at health workers who are doing great work," Kiiza said.
"Today is a public holiday but if you went to Itojo General Hospital, you would find health workers on duty taking care of our people. They are saving lives. They are heroes. We also have farmers. These are heroes of today because they are feeding the nation,” he added.
Kiiza stressed that effective service delivery requires cooperation among government departments, discipline and a strong sense of patriotism. He cautioned civil servants against focusing solely on remuneration at the expense of their responsibilities to the public.
“There are lessons that civil servants must learn from the heroes. You cannot become one when you are alone. There must be elements of unity to transform society. Different departments must coordinate—production, works, health—we all have to work together,” he said.
“The other aspect would be sacrifice in whatever we are doing. We have seen many civil servants complaining about little salaries," he said.
" If you only look at salary without putting in mind service delivery, we cannot move on very well as a country. What is lacking is patriotism. We encourage civil servants to emulate the example of our heroes and work with integrity and try as much as possible to resist corruption.”
His remarks echoed broader national sentiments recognising individuals who have made significant contributions to Uganda’s development, peace and stability.
Ntungamo Resident District Commissioner Miriam Mugisha Kagaiga said Heroes Day should celebrate both national and local figures whose sacrifices have shaped communities and improved service delivery.
“Why we celebrate Heroes Day is because of people's sacrifice and contribution, like our President. He is a hero with all the sacrifice he made for Uganda,” Kagaiga said.
She also paid tribute to John Wickliffe Karazarwe, describing him as a local hero whose efforts contributed to the establishment of Ntungamo District and improved access to government services.
“Before this district was established, people used to go to Mbarara and other districts for services. But that man is a hero. He said people here should at least start a district,” she noted.
Kagaiga added that the country should continue honouring all those who contributed to the struggle for peace, security and national development.
As Uganda marked Heroes Day, district leaders said the occasion should inspire citizens, especially public servants, to uphold the values of sacrifice, unity, integrity and service that underpin national progress.