Three hundred and sixty five Ugandans including two prominent folklore (Kadongo Kamu) singers have today been awarded medals of recognition, during the Heroes Day celebrations in Zirobwe, Luweero district, presided over by President Yoweri Museveni.
The Kadongo Kamu musicians Fred Masagazi and Paul Kafeero and, colleagues Elly Wamala and Hadijah Namale, all deceased, were awarded the Golden Jubilee medals for their contribution to the development of Uganda through art.
Other artistes awarded medals at today’s event that was held under the theme: ‘Sacrifice is a singular heroic pillar in nation building’, included Diplock Segawa Katumba, Bakayimbira’s Andrew Benon Kibuuka, Afrigo Band’s Joanitah Kawalya, The Ebonies’ Sam Bagenda aka Dr. Bossa, Hajj Ashraf Ssimwogerere and the late Jimmy Katumba.
These were recognised as distinguished arts and cultural entrepreneurs who used their artistic prowess to impact society through song, music, theatre, film among other things. The golden Jubilee Medals were presented to those living by President Yoweri Museveni.
Heroes Day is celebrated annually on June 9, to recognize the men and women who have over the years variously contributed to the development of Uganda, and among these are some of those who fought or participated in the five-year war that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to power in 1986.
“Our freedom was very expensive in terms of human life; I salute the people of this area and Uganda as a whole,” Mr. Museveni said.
Earlier, President Museveni had laid a wreath at the Monument Ground in Luweero to honour 470 fallen heroes. He later proceeded to Zirobwe sub county headquarters where the main function took place.
The President also said he would ask his wife, the Minister of Education Janet Kataha Museveni, to incorporate the hero songs into the school syllabus.
“School going children are entitled to know how far their nation has come from,” he said.
Additional Reporting by Badru Kasadha
