As Heroes Day events were held nationwide on June 9, 2025, the People’s Front for Freedom (PFF) issued a sharp rebuke of the commemoration, particularly on the high public expenditure amid unresolved human rights concerns.
PFF points out that Uganda now observes three national holidays connected to the NRA’s ascent to power, Liberation Day (January 26), Tarehe Sita (February 6), and Heroes Day (June 9), each commemorated with state-funded parades, per diem allowances, and honours ceremonies.
They claim that Shs 5 billion allocated for “heroes’ handouts,” combined with ancillary event costs, came amid a struggling economy in which the Uganda Revenue Authority reportedly averages Shs 72 billion in daily collections .
Highlighting a contradiction in the state narrative, PFF noted that Dr. Kizza Besigye and Hajji Obed Lutale were not honoured they remain detained at Luzira Prison on unsubstantiated charges, having now served 200 nights behind bars .
PFF denounced the commemoration ceremonies as “partisan and wasteful,” calling for a single combined national holiday rather than multiple annual celebrations.
In solidarity with detained opposition figures, PFF is mobilising supporters to attend proceedings at Nakawa Magistrate’s Court on Thursday, June 12, where Dr. Besigye is again expected for trial mention.
The party says the symbolic importance of public presence and the need to defend democratic ideals.
