BY OUR REPORTER
The Senior Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo, popularly known as Chief Muzzukulu, has called on Ugandans across all faiths to join a spiritual revival and prayer campaign in the lead-up to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s birthday on September 15. She said the nation needs divine guidance amid ongoing challenges, including poverty, unemployment, drought, and loss of life.
A Commemoration Dedicated to the “Spiritual Revival of Our Fallen Warriors”
According to Namyalo, the Office of the National Chairman has dedicated this year’s birthday commemoration to the theme “Spiritual Revival of Our Fallen Warriors.” She said the initiative offers Ugandans an opportunity to reflect on the country’s history, honour those who lost their lives in its liberation, and seek God’s guidance for the future.
The main event will be held on September 15 at the Office of the NRM National Chairman in Kyambogo, bringing together religious leaders, members of the public, surviving veterans, and the families of fallen National Resistance Army (NRA) fighters.
“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,” Namyalo said.
She added that spiritual activities linked to the commemoration had already begun and would continue in the days leading up to September 15, centred on prayers for divine intervention and national guidance.
Reflecting on the Struggle and Honouring Sacrifice
Namyalo explained that the decision to frame this year’s commemoration around spiritual revival was shaped by the difficult circumstances currently facing the country, including poverty, unemployment, drought, and other hardships. She urged Ugandans to revisit the history of the NRA and reflect on the sacrifices made during the struggle that brought the National Resistance Movement to power.
“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 further questioned whether the nation had done enough to honour its fallen fighters and support their families, noting that some relatives of deceased NRA members continue to struggle despite the sacrifices made by their loved ones. The commemoration, she said, is intended to remember both fallen and surviving fighters while giving their families a platform to take part in the spiritual revival.
Among the fallen NRA figures she cited were 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, whom she said should remain part of Uganda’s national story.
Tribute to the Late Omukama of Tooro
Namyalo also paid tribute to the late Omukama of Tooro, Oyo Nyimba Kabamba Iguru IV, describing his passing as a moment calling for unity, harmony, and reflection among Ugandans. She urged citizens to remain united and to uphold the values that bind communities and the nation together, framing the tribute as part of a broader call for Ugandans to look beyond political and social divisions in pursuit of national unity.
Renewed Calls on Unemployment and Healthcare
Beyond remembrance, Namyalo said the spiritual revival should also serve as an occasion to reflect on the challenges facing Ugandans today. While acknowledging government interventions such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and other poverty-eradication programmes, she said unemployment, particularly among young Ugandans, or Bazzukulu, remains a pressing concern requiring renewed action.
She also called for greater investment in healthcare, saying accessible and quality health services should remain a national priority as President Museveni marks another year of his life.
Namyalo urged religious leaders from all faiths to join the initiative, stressing the need for a collective spiritual response to the country’s challenges.
“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.
She closed with an appeal to all Ugandans who feel a sense of responsibility toward the nation to take part in the commemoration and reflect on how they can contribute to a better future for the country.
