The Minister in charge of Science, Technology and Innovation, Jonard Asiimwe Akiki, has said Uganda’s Heroes Day should serve not only as a moment of remembrance but also as a catalyst for innovation, unity and national transformation.
Uganda marked Heroes Day 2026 with government officials emphasizing the need for greater productivity, technological advancement and cohesion as the country reflected on the sacrifices behind its liberation and development.
Akiki said Heroes Day honours the “extraordinary sacrifices” made by men and women whose actions shaped Uganda’s peace, stability and independence.
He noted that the country’s liberation history, particularly the struggle that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to power, demonstrated the importance of courage, vision and commitment to nation-building.
“From the struggles against injustice and national decline to the historic liberation efforts that culminated in the triumph of the National Resistance Movement, our heroes demonstrated that nation-building requires not only courage in moments of adversity but also vision in moments of uncertainty,” he said.
Akiki paid tribute to President Yoweri Museveni, crediting his role in the liberation struggle and subsequent national reconstruction, as well as his ideological influence on Uganda’s development path.
He cited peace, patriotism, Pan-Africanism and socio-economic transformation as key pillars guiding the country’s post-liberation agenda.
The Minister said Heroes Day should go beyond commemoration and instead inspire citizens to actively contribute to national progress through innovation, research and entrepreneurship.
“As Minister in charge of Science, Technology and Innovation, I believe the most fitting tribute to our heroes is to transform their sacrifice into measurable national progress,” he said.
He called for increased investment in industrialisation, technological advancement and youth empowerment, saying these are critical for Uganda’s long-term economic transformation and global competitiveness.
Akiki concluded by urging Ugandans to uphold the legacy of the country’s heroes by working toward a self-reliant, prosperous and modern Uganda.