Opposition in Parliament has called for the amendment of National honours and award act 2001 to clearly stipulate the qualifications for the heroes who have to be celebrated.
While addressing the media at parliament on Tuesday Betty Nambooze the spoken person of the shadow cabinet who also doubles as the Member of Parliament Mukono Municipality stated that the occasion to commemorate heroes’ day has now been turned into a mere ceremony.
She noted that some of the people who are awarded do not meet the qualifications.
In the amended heroes act, Nambooze wants heroes to be identified outside politicians and the army.
She urged for the clear way of honouring and securing places where heroes’ biography can be kept and their home be made national heritage.
She also wants clear procedures to vet those who should qualify to be heroes.
She cited the examples of the army officers who were awarded medals for obstructing Justice Catherine Bamugemereire while inspecting the controversial land in Mutungu which she said it is an insult to the country.
She noted that a person is called hero when he has been noted for great and brave actions, nobility and great outstanding achievements.
“So, what outstanding achievements, what act of great courage did the soldiers who stopped Bamugemereire from accessing contested land attained?” she asked.
She further protested against government decisions to award the late Lutaakome Kayiira with a medal before the report of his assassination has been released 32 years down the road.
“Kayiira was murdered on the 9th of March 1987 ,32 Years later, is being awarded with a medal that is being given to his sons when the whole country wants Mr. Museveni instead to release a report about his death,” she said.
She warned Kayiira’s family that the life of their father for which Museveni is purporting to award him a medal was not about the family issues but national issues.