The air in Lyantonde was thick with emotion as Uganda paused to honor the men and women who laid down their lives for the nation’s freedom. The three-day medical bootcamp, which ran from May 28 to 30, culminated in a powerful memorial service at Lyantonde Technical Institute, where leaders, clergy, and citizens gathered to pay tribute to the country’s fallen heroes. Organized by Minister Alice Kaboyo under the Office of the Prime Minister, the event served as a prelude to the 36th National Heroes Day, blending prayer, reflection, and a renewed call for unity.

Security Minister General Jim Muhwezi, the chief guest, stood before the crowd with a solemn expression as he spoke of the debt Uganda owes to its heroes. “When we remember these brave souls, we must ask ourselves: Are we living up to the Uganda they dreamed of?” His words echoed across the quiet gathering, a reminder that the freedoms enjoyed today came at a heavy price. The minister participated in interdenominational prayers, planted a tree in remembrance, and toured the medical camp a symbol of the government’s commitment to serving those who once served the nation.

For many in attendance, the event was deeply personal. Lyantonde and its neighboring areas were key battlegrounds during the 1981-1986 liberation war. Ordinary villagers risked their lives to shelter fighters, share intelligence, and provide food during the grueling struggle. Minister Kaboyo, her voice steady but filled with emotion, honored these unsung heroes. “This was not just a war fought with guns,” she said. “It was a revolution fueled by the courage of mothers who hid soldiers, children who carried messages, and farmers who shared their last meal.”

The stories of sacrifice were not just from the past. As the medical camp treated hundreds of locals over three days, it became clear that the spirit of service lives on. Nurses, doctors, and volunteers worked tirelessly, embodying the same selflessness that defined the liberation struggle. One elderly woman, clutching a prescription she had just received, whispered, “This is what our heroes fought for a Uganda that takes care of its people.”

Bishop Severus Jjumba of Masaka Diocese delivered a sermon that resonated deeply with the multi-faith audience. He spoke of heroes beyond the battlefield the informants, the prayer warriors, the ordinary citizens who played their part. “A hero is not only the one who held a gun,” he said, “but also the one who held a prayer book, the one who shared food, the one who refused to betray their neighbor.” His message was a challenge: Uganda must not only remember its heroes but live in a way that honors their sacrifice.

The question lingered in the air how well has Uganda upheld the dreams of its fallen? Bishop Jjumba did not shy away from the tough realities. “Have we ensured justice for all? Have we built the roads, schools, and hospitals they envisioned?” His words were met with thoughtful silence. The memorial was not just about looking back; it was about holding the present to account.

As the sun set over Lyantonde, the gathering stood united in prayer, song, and resolve. Minister Kaboyo closed the ceremony with a call to action. “Let us leave here not just with memories but with a commitment to build the Uganda our heroes believed in.” The echoes of the day’s speeches would linger long after the last prayer was said a reminder that the true tribute to Uganda’s heroes is a nation that lives up to their sacrifice.

The medical camp may have ended, but its impact like the legacy of the heroes will endure. As Uganda prepares for Heroes Day, the message from Lyantonde is clear: the past must guide the future, and the work of building a just, peaceful, and prosperous nation is far from over.