“A Country That Forgets Its Fallen Warriors Loses Its Soul,” Museveni Emphasizes At ONC Spiritual Revival

By Swift Reporter 

President Yoweri Museveni has paid tribute to the men and women who sacrificed their lives during Uganda’s liberation struggle, saying the country’s progress today is rooted in the courage, patriotism and selflessness of those who fought against tyranny.

This was at an event hosted and organised by the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) in Kyambogo, under the leadership of its Manager, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, popularly known as the Chief Muzzukulu. The event dubbed Spiritual Revival of the Fallen Warriors, brought together religious leaders, liberation veterans, families of fallen heroes, political leaders and members of the public to remember and honour those who sacrificed their lives during Uganda’s liberation struggles.

Manager Namyalo said the spiritual revival was initiated because many of the warriors who sacrificed for Uganda have not received sufficient recognition and appreciation.

The chief muzzukulu added that the event was intended to give the country an opportunity to remember the sacrifices of those who fought for the changes Uganda has experienced.

Namyalo also said the fallen fighters had reasons for taking up the struggle and urged Ugandans to ensure that the conditions and forces they fought against do not return to the country.

Delivering Museveni’s message, Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, who was the Chief guest at this solemn gathering representing President Museveni said the President had paid tribute to the men and women whose sacrifices helped change the course of Uganda’s history.

In his message, Museveni said Uganda’s liberation in 1986 was not achieved by combatants alone, but also through the sacrifices and support of ordinary Ugandans, particularly peasants who stood with the struggle despite the risks involved.

“It takes the sacrifice of warriors to cause a turn of events in society and to create visible impact,” Museveni said, stressing that the sacrifices of the fallen should continue to inspire present and future generations.

The President said many of those who died during the struggle were motivated by a vision that went beyond personal interests. They believed they were sacrificing their lives for a better Uganda and for generations they would never live to see.

He said the heroes of Uganda’s liberation should therefore not only be remembered for their military contribution, but also for the civilians who supported the struggle and helped sustain it through difficult times.

“A country that forgets its fallen warriors loses its soul,” Museveni said, urging Ugandans to continue praying for, remembering and honouring those who paid the ultimate price.

Museveni further called upon Ugandans to regard national development as a personal responsibility, saying hard work, honesty, patriotism and discipline are among the best ways of honouring the fallen.

He urged citizens to become role models for younger generations by contributing positively to the development of Uganda and protecting the gains made through the sacrifices of previous generations.

The President recalled that when the National Resistance Movement came to power in 1986, Uganda had endured years of political instability, violence and economic decline.

He said the liberation struggle and the subsequent NRM government restored what he described as the dignity of Uganda while laying the foundation for political stability and economic recovery.

Museveni said Uganda has since gained greater confidence on the international stage and is now able to engage major global powers from a position of dignity and respect.

However, he warned that the achievements made over the years should not be taken for granted, urging the current generation to protect and build upon the gains made through the sacrifices of earlier generations.

He also encouraged Ugandans, particularly young people, to study the history of the liberation struggle and understand the contribution of both military and civilian actors.

According to Museveni, understanding the sacrifices of the past will enable the younger generation to appreciate the values that shaped Uganda’s liberation and the responsibilities that come with preserving its legacy.

The President particularly highlighted the human cost of war, noting that its greatest price cannot be measured in monetary terms but in the lives lost.

At the same event, family members and descendants of prominent figures, including Patrice Lumumba and Sam Magala, shared in the remembrance, underscoring the personal loss experienced by families whose loved ones never returned from the struggle.

The gathering also remembered several liberation figures whose names remain embedded in Uganda’s political history, including Capt. Valeriano Rwaheru, James Karuhanga, Ahmed Kashillingi, Maj. Gen. Fred Rwigyema and Lt. Gen. Proscovia Nalweyiso.

The gathering therefore served not only as a memorial for the fallen but also as a reminder of the responsibility of the living to preserve the values for which the warriors sacrificed.

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