By Mulengera Reporters
Parliament has approved a request by the Ministry of Public Service to allocate Shs5 billion for recognizing individuals who contributed to Uganda’s independence. The initiative aims to instill patriotism, unity, and national pride among future generations.
The decision followed the presentation of the 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper by Achia Remigio, Vice Chairperson of Parliament’s Budget Committee, last week. However, the allocation is contingent on the Ministry providing a list of beneficiaries.
Recognition of Independence Heroes
Remigio emphasized that the government has previously honored independence contributors through national awards, monuments, and commemorations, such as National Heroes Day on June 9. He noted that the Ministry of Public Service now seeks to expand these efforts following a directive from the Cabinet.
“The Ministry will rely on its archives to identify beneficiaries. For this purpose, Shs5 billion is required, which is currently not provided for in the budget,” Remigio stated.
MPs defended the move, arguing that recognizing independence heroes is essential for preserving national history and honoring those who played key roles in securing Uganda’s freedom.
Remigio highlighted that Uganda’s independence, achieved on October 9, 1962, was the result of efforts by political leaders, freedom fighters, intellectuals, activists, and ordinary citizens. However, he pointed out that the Ministry had not yet provided details on the identities of the intended beneficiaries or the nature of the awards.
“The Ministry of Public Service should submit detailed documentation of beneficiaries and the type of awards to Parliament to guide the budgeting process,” Remigio added.
Debate Over Selective Recognition
During the Budget Committee discussions, Kira Municipality MP Ibrahim Ssemujju questioned the criteria for selecting honorees, particularly the exclusion of former President Idi Amin. He criticized what he perceived as selective recognition of past leaders, noting that while figures like Milton Obote had been acknowledged, Amin had been ignored.
“My concern is with Idi Amin. The Ministry is identifying people who fought for independence, yet Uganda’s historical recognition seems to start from 1986. This exclusionary approach affects past leaders,” Ssemujju argued.
He further noted that Amin’s family lives in difficult conditions and that the former president, unlike others, left behind no personal wealth.
“Amin was not corrupt, yet his family struggles. While Obote’s house in Kololo was returned and he is quietly compensated, Amin’s family has been told to go to court to reclaim their home,” he added.
Demand for Transparency
Ojara Mapenduzi, Chairperson of Parliament’s Finance Committee, echoed concerns over the lack of transparency. He stated that during engagements with the Ministry, no list of intended beneficiaries had been provided.
“When we met the Ministry of Public Service, we asked for a list of these heroes to justify the Shs5 billion request, but they couldn’t provide one. We have demanded this list before proceeding with budget approvals,” Mapenduzi said.
He also questioned the need for the additional Shs5 billion, given the existence of other national awards. The Ministry responded that the funds would be used for a one-time recognition package.
“We await the list and will hold them accountable, including on the issue of Idi Amin’s exclusion,” Mapenduzi concluded-Parliament Watch. (For comments on this story, get back to us on 0705579994 [WhatsApp line], 0779411734 & 041 4674611 or email us at mulengeranews@gmail.com).
