Uganda Today: Celebrate the Unsung Heroes Too
Every year on June 9, Uganda observes National Heroes Day—a solemn occasion to honour those who have made extraordinary contributions to the nation’s journey. As ceremonies unfold and medals are pinned on the chests of the most visible figures, it is vital to remember those whose bravery often goes unnoticed. Among these are the men and women of the Uganda Police Force.
These officers, from urban traffic stops to remote border missions, don the uniform each day not knowing whether they will return home. Their work—often thankless—is defined by sacrifice, resilience, and quiet acts of service. Their heroism rarely makes headlines, yet they are the backbone of national security.
Too often, society remembers a few isolated incidents of misconduct and forgets the silent majority who serve with dedication. This Heroes Day, we shine a light on those who serve in the shadows.
The Unsung Units of Service
🚒 Fire Brigade
These officers respond to emergencies others flee from—entering burning buildings, retrieving decomposed bodies, pulling children from pit latrines, and saving lives in unimaginable conditions.
🚦 Traffic Police
Rain or shine, they stand for hours without breaks or meals. Their endurance ensures safety on our roads, even though their own health often deteriorates unnoticed.
🕵️♂️ Criminal Investigations Directorate (CID)
CID officers risk their lives daily at volatile crime scenes. Officers like D/AIP Emmanuel Mawa, who died in a duty-related accident in 2020, exemplify their sacrifice.
🎯 Counter-Terrorism (CT) Officers
CT personnel stand as human shields for VIPs and high-risk locations. We remember CPL Kenneth Erau, bodyguard to AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi, and PC Godfrey Wafula, killed while protecting Pastor Bugingo.
🚓 999 Patrol Units
First responders to armed robberies, break-ins, and emergencies—even at 2 a.m. Their bravery protects communities while most citizens sleep peacefully.
🚗 Police Drivers
Operating under stressful conditions, they transport senior officers and respond to emergencies. PC Geoffrey Mambewe, AIGP Kaweesi’s driver, died during the 2017 assassination.
🌍 UN Mission Officers
Our police serve in volatile regions such as Somalia and South Sudan. Officers like SP Julius Osega, who died in Darfur in 2008, are national heroes beyond our borders.
🐕 Canine Unit
Working with sniffer dogs, these officers recover stolen property, locate explosives, and help solve crimes across Uganda.
🐂 Karamojong Units
Facing armed cattle rustlers, these brave officers protect livestock and restore order in Karamoja with minimal logistical support.
🌐 Interpol Officers
Tracking cross-border criminals and fugitives, their work is vital in fighting organized crime and terrorism across the region.
🚨 Field Force Unit (FFU)
Deployed during riots and unrest, FFU officers protect life and property, despite hostility from crowds.
🌊 Marine Police
They rescue drowning victims, intercept smugglers, and protect Uganda’s water borders and fish resources.
🧑🏽🤝🧑🏽 Community Liaison Officers (CPCs/CLOs)
Bridging the gap between law enforcement and civilians, they calm tensions in politically charged or volatile communities.
🏢 Station Commanders and Office-Based Officers
Often overlooked, these officers face unpredictable risks in police stations open to the public. SP Esther Kiiza (Wakiso) and ASP Sunday Innocent (Lubowa) were attacked during routine work.
They Gave Everything
Some gave their lives. We honour:
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Erinayo Wilson Oryema – First IGP, killed 1977
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AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi – Killed 2017
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CP Christine Alalo – AMISOM Peacekeeper, died 2019
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ACP EK Karakire – Killed in Masaka by renegade Itongwa
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ASP Eiru Darlington – Killed, Clock Tower, July 2024
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ASP Nasana Moses – Regional Fire Officer, Gulu
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D/ASP Rwego Muhoozi – Flying Squad, Mukono
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SGT Godfrey Mwondha – Drowned during rescue
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PC Amos Kuungu – Killed in CPS bombing
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PC Joseph Adupa – Trampled by elephant, 2022
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PC Josephat Twinamatsiko – Shot at checkpoint
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Afande Suleiman Chemonges – Killed on special duty
A Call for Recognition
Each police officer who wears the badge and serves under the motto “For God and My Country” is a hero. Many live with permanent injuries, broken homes, and silent trauma. Yet, few are acknowledged in national awards ceremonies.
We must rethink how Uganda bestows honours. True heroism is not only found in boardrooms or battlefields—it is present in the officer holding the traffic baton, the constable diving into a flooded river, and the CID piecing together justice in silence.
Final Word
This Heroes Day, let us widen our lens. As we celebrate our named heroes, may we also salute those who serve without ceremony.
To every police officer, past and present:
Happy Heroes Day.
Uganda sees you. Uganda thanks you.
Published by www.ugandatoday.co.ug, your trusted source for news and analysis
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