By Diana N Kintu
Uganda will commemorate the 37th Heroes’ Day Anniversary on 9 June 2026 in a scientifically managed format at State House, Entebbe, with strict observance of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) due to the ongoing Ebola outbreak.
According to a government press brief, this year’s celebrations will not feature the traditional public gathering at Kololo Independence Grounds. Instead, the event will be conducted with fewer than 25 invited guests, including representatives of the three arms of government, religious leaders, and members of the Luwero Triangle Veterans Association.
The rest of the country will follow the proceedings through the Uganda Broadcasting Corporation (UBC) and other national broadcasters.
The decision follows the postponement of the Uganda Martyrs’ Pilgrimage earlier this month after consultations between President Yoweri Museveni, the National Epidemic Response Task Force, and religious leaders.
The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, which annually sends thousands of pilgrims to Uganda, was declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the World Health Organization on 17 May 2026.
The theme for this year’s Heroes’ Day celebrations remains aligned with that of the President’s inauguration ceremonies: “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
Organisers said the theme reflects Uganda’s commitment to consolidating its achievements while accelerating economic transformation.
The President will officiate at the function and deliver a national message of remembrance and resilience. Thanksgiving prayers will also be held across the country to mark the occasion. These include prayers in mosques on Friday, 5 June; Seventh-day Adventist churches on Saturday, 6 June; and other Christian churches on Sunday, 7 June.
The brief noted that no state visitors had been confirmed for the occasion at the time of publication, although updates would be provided should any developments arise.
Heroes’ Day, a public holiday in Uganda, commemorates men and women who sacrificed for the country’s liberation and transformation. While previous celebrations have attracted large crowds, this year’s restricted format underscores the government’s commitment to safeguarding lives during the Ebola outbreak.
Officials emphasised that the significance of the day remains undiminished despite the absence of mass gatherings. By adapting to prevailing public health circumstances, Uganda continues to honour its heroes while reinforcing its national commitment to peace, resilience, and socio-economic progress.
Source: Government of Uganda Press Brief, June 2026.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda during the State of the Nation Address.