The Office of the National Chairman (ONC) has called on Ugandans across religious denominations to join a spiritual revival and prayer campaign ahead of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s birthday on September 15.
Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and ONC Manager, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, popularly known as Chief Muzzukulu, said the initiative is intended to give Ugandans an opportunity to pray for the country, reflect on its history and remember people who sacrificed their lives during the liberation struggle.
This year’s commemoration has been dedicated to the “Spiritual Revival of Our Fallen Warriors”, with the main event scheduled for September 15 at the Office of the NRM National Chairman in Kyambogo.
Hajjat Namyalo said religious leaders, members of the public, surviving veterans and families of fallen NRA fighters had been invited to participate.
“On September 15, all people will converge at the Office of the NRM National Chairman in Kyambogo to call upon all the fallen and surviving warriors,” she said.
She said the spiritual activities had already started and would continue in the days leading to the main commemoration, with prayers focused on seeking divine guidance and intervention for Uganda.
Hajjat Namyalo said the decision to dedicate the commemoration to prayer was influenced by challenges she said continue to affect Ugandans, including poverty, unemployment, drought, deaths and other disasters.
She said the occasion should not only focus on celebrating the President’s birthday but also provide an opportunity for Ugandans to reflect on the country’s journey and consider what needs to be done to address current challenges.
“We can’t do without remembering or recalling what we went through before and concentrating on the now. We are supposed to go back to where we started from, how we captured power,” she said.
She also called for greater attention to the history of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and the sacrifices made by its members during the struggle that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to power.
Hajjat Namyalo said the commemoration would remember both fallen and surviving NRA fighters and give their families an opportunity to participate in the spiritual activities.
Among the fallen figures she mentioned were Maj Gen Fred Rwigyema, Sam Magara, Arthur Kasasira, Nathan Mweinemuzei, David Ndayondi, Robert Kabura, Lauben Ikondere, Paul Kagina, Shaban Kashanku, Enock Mondo, Frank Kifuba, Aziz Bey, Maurice Katungi, Muley Muwanga, Akanga Byaruhanga, Hannington Mugabi, Gen Elly Tumwine and Col Jack Mucungu, among others.
She questioned whether enough had been done to honour the fallen fighters and support their families, noting that some relatives continue to face difficulties despite the sacrifices made by their loved ones.
According to Hajjat Namyalo, remembering the fallen should go beyond ceremonies and include preserving their contribution to Uganda’s history.
Hajjat Namyalo also paid tribute to the late Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, whose death she described as an occasion for unity, harmony and reflection.
She urged Ugandans to maintain peaceful coexistence and remain united, saying the values that bring communities together should be protected.
The tribute formed part of her broader appeal for spiritual reflection and national unity, with a call for Ugandans to look beyond political and social differences.
Hajjat Namyalo also used the occasion to highlight unemployment, particularly among young Ugandans.
She acknowledged government programmes such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other poverty-eradication initiatives, but said more effort was needed to create jobs and sustainable economic opportunities for the youth.
She said employment should remain a priority as the country plans for the future, particularly for the younger generation.
She also called for greater attention to healthcare and the provision of accessible and quality health services.
Hajjat Namyalo urged religious leaders from different faiths to participate in the spiritual revival, saying the country needs collective reflection and prayer amid the challenges facing citizens.
“I call upon all of you to be part of us on September 15, as we celebrate, as well as pray, as well as seek for forgiveness, as well as seek for guidance from God to ensure that whatever happened doesn’t block the future,” she said.
The September 15 commemoration is expected to bring together religious leaders, veterans, families of fallen fighters and members of the public at the ONC offices in Kyambogo.
The organisers say the event will combine remembrance of the fallen, prayer and reflection on Uganda’s past and the challenges facing the country today.