Museveni reflects on Uganda’s past struggles, calls for economic transformation on Heroes Day

Africa

KAMPALA, Uganda (NPA) — Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reflected on the country’s turbulent past, highlighting the sacrifices made by thousands of Ugandans in the struggle for freedom and national reconstruction.

In a message marking Uganda’s Heroes Day on Tuesday, Museveni recalled the dire state of the nation before his government came to power, describing a period marked by economic collapse, insecurity, poor governance, and the denial of democratic rights.

The Ugandan leader said June 9 was chosen as Heroes Day to honour the hundreds of thousands of people who lost their lives during the country’s liberation struggle, particularly in the Luweero Triangle, one of the most affected regions during the conflict.

According to him, the scale of the atrocities committed during the period was evident in the discovery of 32 communal graves after the war.

“The 9th of June 1981 was chosen to represent the hundreds of thousands who were killed, especially in the Luweero Triangle. After the war, we collected skulls from 32 communal graves as a reminder of the atrocities our people endured,” Museveni said.

Reflecting on the circumstances that led to the armed struggle, the president said Uganda faced a profound national crisis, with a collapsed economy, widespread insecurity, failing institutions, and nearly two decades without free and fair elections.

He said the objectives of the liberation movement were to restore democracy, guarantee security, revive and diversify the economy, and rebuild the country.

Museveni expressed appreciation to both civilian and military veterans who participated in the struggle, as well as the families of those who lost their lives in the quest for freedom.

“I thank the civilian and armed veterans who joined us in this struggle and helped achieve these goals. I also salute the families of those heroes who are no longer with us,” he stated.

The president said that while significant progress has been made, Uganda’s next major challenge is achieving economic transformation and ensuring that every household becomes part of the money economy.

He urged citizens to remain committed to national development and the pursuit of shared prosperity.