Uganda to Celebrate 37th Heroes’ Day Virtually Due to Ebola Pandemic
KAMPALA – The government has announced that this year’s Heroes’ Day celebrations will be held in a scientific, non-congregational manner, following strict Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) put in place to curb the spread of the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).
Hon. Milly Babalanda, Minister for the Presidency, revealed the arrangements during a press briefing at the Uganda Media Centre on Thursday morning.
The 37th Heroes’ Day Anniversary is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, 9th June 2026, at State House Entebbe, with fewer than twenty-five (25) guests physically present. This marks a significant shift from previous years, where large public gatherings were held at venues like Kololo.
“The change in the nature of our commemoration has been due to the fact that the country is observing strict SOPs due to the Ebola pandemic,” Hon. Babalanda explained.
The decision to limit physical gatherings follows a recent pattern of public health precautions. On 16th May 2026, H.E. President Yoweri Museveni, after consulting the National Epidemic Response Task Force and religious leaders, postponed the Annual Uganda Martyrs’ Pilgrimage. That decision was prompted by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), given that Uganda receives thousands of pilgrims from Eastern Congo annually.
Just a day later, on 17th May 2026, the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC).
Minister Babalanda noted that the Heroes’ Day celebrations fall only six days after Uganda Martyrs’ Day (3rd June), making it impractical to safely congregate citizens at Kololo.
Theme and Presidential Address
The National Organising Committee has retained the theme from the recent swearing-in and inaugural ceremonies of the president-elect. The 37th Heroes’ Day will be celebrated under the theme: “Protecting the Gains as we make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”
H.E. President Yoweri Museveni will officiate at the State House Entebbe function. He will be joined by a small group of invited guests, including representatives from the three arms of government, religious leaders, and members of the Luwero Triangle Veteran Association. The rest of the country will follow the President’s message via the national broadcaster, UBC, and other broadcasters with national audiences.
Thanksgiving Prayers Across the Country
While the main event will be low-key, Ugandans have been encouraged to commemorate the day through thanksgiving prayers at their respective places of worship on the following designated dates:
· Friday, 5th June 2026: Prayers in all mosques
· Saturday, 6th June 2026: Prayers in all Seventh Day Adventist Churches
· Sunday, 7th June 2026: Prayers in all other churches
No State Visitors Confirmed
According to the Minister, the government has not yet received any indications of state visitors gracing the occasion. She promised to brief the country on any new developments.
Public Health Reminder
As the government leads the fight against the Ebola pandemic, Hon. Babalanda urged all Ugandans to strictly follow the SOPs to combat the spread of Ebola Virus Disease. Citizens were advised to regularly wash hands with clean running water and soap, use alcohol-based hand sanitizers, and avoid touching bodily fluids (blood, saliva, sweat, vomit) or contaminated surfaces.
She concluded by reminding the nation that Heroes’ Day remains a public holiday.
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