By Ambrose Okwanga
Uganda will commemorate the 37th Heroes’ Day Anniversary on June 9, 2026, through a scientific ceremony at State House Entebbe, with attendance limited to a small group of invited guests due to Ebola-related public health concerns.
Speaking during a press briefing, Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda said the annual national celebrations will not involve the large public gatherings that have characterized previous commemorations.
“the event will be broadcast live to the nation through Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and other media outlets” Babalanda added.
The decision follows heightened vigilance against Ebola after an outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo spread into Uganda.
Babalanda noted that President Yoweri Museveni, in consultation with the National Epidemic Response Task Force and religious leaders, had earlier postponed the annual Uganda Martyrs’ pilgrimage to prevent the risk of transmission from thousands of pilgrims who traditionally travel from eastern Congo.
She further cited the World Health Organization’s declaration of the Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) on May 17, 2026.
She said Heroes’ Day falls only six days after the Uganda Martyrs’ Day celebrations, making it prudent to avoid large congregations of people.
This year’s celebrations will be held under the theme: “Protecting the Gains as we Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.” The theme is the same as that used during the recent swearing-in and inauguration ceremonies of President Museveni.
President Museveni is expected to officiate at the ceremony, accompanied by less than 25 guests drawn from the three arms of government, religious leaders, and representatives of the Luwero Triangle Veterans Association.
As part of the commemorations, thanksgiving prayers will be conducted nationwide. Muslims are scheduled to hold prayers on Friday, June 5, Seventh-day Adventists on Saturday, June 6, and other Christian denominations on Sunday, June 7.
Babalanda said they have not yet received confirmation of any visiting heads of state or foreign dignitaries who may attend the celebrations.
Despite the scaled-down event, June 9 will remain a national public holiday as Ugandans honor the men and women whose sacrifices contributed to the country’s liberation and development.