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By Mike Rwothomio
Leaders across the West Nile sub-region have been equipped with knowledge on the criteria for nominating individuals for Uganda’s annual national honors and awards, conferred by President Yoweri Museveni.
The training was led by Hajjat Zaminah Malole, Secretary of the Presidential Awards Committee, during her presentation on National Honours and Awards and the Role of District Leadership in Their Administration at Zombo District Headquarters on August 22, 2025.
Malole emphasized the importance of district leaders, particularly Resident District Commissioners (RDCs), in leveraging district security committees to identify and nominate individuals who have made significant contributions to Uganda’s development.
“we’ve been in this region, since Monday, meeting the different leaders to sensitize them about national honors and awards. And mainly the criteria because it is one thing that they require since we work closely with them when it comes to nominating the people who are worthy recognition by His Excellency the President of the Republic of Uganda” Malole said in an interview.
The Presidential Awards Committee annually evaluates and recommends candidates for national honors, recognizing exceptional achievements in fields such as education, health, security, agriculture, and leadership, as outlined in the National Honours and Awards Act, 2001 (as amended).
Malole expressed confidence that this sensitization will lead to greater recognition of individuals who have significantly impacted the region’s development.
Historical Context
The tradition of national honors in Uganda dates back to 1962, when the Uganda Independence Medal was instituted by Queen Elizabeth II to mark Uganda’s independence, as recorded in The London Gazette (No. 42800, p. 7753, August 30, 1962). This medal honored individuals for exemplary public service in the armed forces, police, and local government.
Legal Framework
Under Article 98 of the 1995 Constitution of Uganda (as amended), the President serves as the Fountain of Honour, holding the exclusive authority to confer titles of honor on citizens and non-citizens for outstanding contributions to the nation. The National Honours and Awards Regulations, 2014, further define the administration, nomination procedures, and protocols for wearing medals, as well as post-nominal entitlements.
Zombo Leaders’ Response
Festus Ayikobua, Zombo’s Resident District Commissioner, described the training as highly productive, acknowledging his prior limited understanding of the nomination criteria and committing to diligently fulfill his role.
Hassan Ringtho, the Zombo Council Speaker, representing the LCV Chairperson, noted that many leaders were previously unaware of the nomination process despite witnessing the President conferring awards.
He highlighted individuals like Oyullu Vincent for their significant contributions to Zombo’s development and service to humanity.
Fred Chothembu, representing the Chief Administrative Officer’s office, emphasized the need to recognize retired individuals who have honorably contributed to the region’s progress.
Role of District Leadership in the Honors Process
District leaders are tasked with: Identifying and nominating individuals for outstanding contributions to national development.
Completing nomination forms to recommend deserving candidates for recognition by the President.
Acting as ambassadors of excellence and inspiring Ugandans to strive for distinction.
Raising public awareness about the importance of national honors and the criteria for selection.
Policy Framework
The National Honours and Awards Regulations, 2014, operationalize the nomination and administration processes, while the National Development Plan III (NDP III) mandates the Chancery to promote a national incentives framework, including rewards for exemplary workers, leaders, and communities which aligns with the NRM Manifesto’s focus on value systems and national vision.
The Chancery’s Role
Housed under the Office of the President, the Chancery, led by the Minister for Presidency and the Secretary of the Presidential Awards Committee, is responsible for the permanent custodianship and administration of Uganda’s national honors. Nominations from ministries, departments, agencies, and individuals are vetted through background research and submitted to the Presidential Awards Committee for approval by the President. The Chancery also maintains the Mini Hall of Fame, launched in 2021, to showcase medalists’ contributions through profiles, photographs, and memorabilia.
Privileges and Revocation
Honorees receive privileges such as recognition at state functions, priority access to public services (e.g., hospitals, banks), and open invitations to state and community events. However, under Section II of the National Honours and Awards Act, 2001, the President may revoke honors in cases of misrepresentation or convictions involving fraud, dishonesty, or moral turpitude. Affected individuals must return their insignia within one month or face fines or imprisonment.
Malole urged leaders to actively participate in identifying and nominating deserving candidates, emphasizing that the training has equipped them to fulfill this role effectively.
