Residents of Luweero are divided over the upcoming National Heroes Day celebrations which will be hosted by the district on June 9.
The day honors persons who sacrificed their lives to better the lives of the Ugandans as well as those who have given dedicated service to the country over the years. These include among others, men and women who lost their lives during the NRA-led guerrilla war between 1981 and 1985 in the jungles of Luweero.
This year's celebrations to be held under the theme; 'self-sacrifice is the singular heroic pillar in nation building, will be held at St Augustine Secondary School in Zirobwe Sub County. In preparation for the day, renovations are ongoing on a monument where President Yoweri Museveni will lay wreaths in remembrance of NRA heroes and along Wobulenzi-Zirobwe road, a stretch that leads to the planned venue.
Luweero Resident District Commissioner-RDC Alice Muwanguzi, also the chairperson of district organizing committee says they have also embarked on the mobilization of masses to turn up in large numbers for the event.
However, the holiday is evoking sentiments of a divided nation as some residents have openly rejected invitations for the event describing it as wastage of resources. Others are lamenting over the failure by President Yoweri Museveni to fulfill several pledges made to the people of Luweero, the area that hosted his guerrilla struggle.
Outstanding pledges include the compensation of Luweero triangle veterans, elevation of Luweero Health Center IV to a fully-fledged hospital, construction of a fruit processing plant and upgrading of several roads in the district.
Emmanuel Nsubuga, one of the residents expresses dismay at the failure by government to compensate war veterans for their contribution to the NRA struggle. Nsubuga says that the medals given to heroes are insignificant because they have no monetary worth or value addition to the recipients.
Samuel Ssewanyana, a resident of Kavule zone in Luweero town says the celebration is not worth the effort considering the increasing levels of poverty among citizens. He advises that the function be suspended and funds diverted to improve health and education services in the district.
However, Sam Sserunjogi the former LC III Chairperson of Katikamu Sub County says that Heroes Day is an opportunity for Luweero district leaders and area Members of Parliament to remind President Museveni to fulfill his pledges.
Ronald Ndawula the LCV Chairperson of Luweero district says that whether they are unfulfilled demands or not people need to attend the function to celebrate the prevailing peace ushered in by heroes.
The organizers have also promised buses to transport people to and from the function so that there are large numbers to welcome officials from other parts of the country
