Presidential Awards Committee Urges Bunyoro Leaders to Identify Deserving Medal Recipients

What the report says

The Presidential Awards Committee has asked leaders in Uganda’s Bunyoro sub-region to help identify and nominate citizens who deserve national honours, saying many people who have contributed to community and national development have not been formally recognised. The message was delivered during a sensitisation meeting with Hoima’s security committee, where officials also outlined the legal basis, nomination process and selection criteria for presidential medals.

According to Nile Post, the outreach is being led by Hajjat Zaminah Malole, Secretary of the Chancery and the Presidential Awards Committee, as part of a tour that began in Hoima City and is expected to continue to other districts in the region. Local officials at the meeting said clearer guidance was needed because some residents question why deserving people are sometimes overlooked. James Kashaya, Assistant Resident City Commissioner for Hoima East, raised that concern and called for more transparency around nominations.

Malole said the honours are governed by the National Honours and Awards Act and are intended for people who show discipline, strong conduct and meaningful service, whether civilian or uniformed personnel. She stressed that nominations should come through public and local structures, not personal links to the President. Another official, Shaban Ssentongo, said the medals are usually conferred during national events such as Labour Day, Women’s Day and Tarehe Sita.

Hoima Resident City Commissioner Badru Mugabi backed the appeal, while Edward Isingoma suggested that the awards would carry more value if they came with additional practical benefits. The effort reflects a broader push to widen awareness of Uganda’s honours system and encourage recognition of local contributors.