Fr. Kibirige described Namaganda as a true hero whose bravery and selflessness deserve national recognition. He recalled that during the night of April 14, 2008, a devastating fire engulfed Nassolo Dormitory at Buddo Junior School.
As Uganda marks this year’s Heroes’ Day, a Catholic priest in Lugazi Diocese has called on the government to consider posthumously honoring Yvonne Namaganda, the 10-year-old pupil who died while rescuing fellow students during the tragic Buddo Junior School dormitory fire in 2008.
The appeal was made by Rev. Fr. Denis Kibirige, Parish Priest of St. Andrew Kaggwa Kichwa Parish in Kituba Village, Nama sub-county, Mukono District, during an early morning Mass on Tuesday, June 9, 2026.
Fr. Kibirige described Namaganda as a true hero whose bravery and selflessness deserve national recognition. He recalled that during the night of April 14, 2008, a devastating fire engulfed Nassolo Dormitory at Buddo Junior School.
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According to accounts of the tragedy, Namaganda, who served as a dormitory leader, managed to wake up, force open the dormitory door, and lead several pupils to safety. However, instead of fleeing from danger, she reportedly returned to the burning building several times in an effort to rescue more of her schoolmates before eventually succumbing to the flames.
“Heroes are not only those who fought for the country’s liberation and peace. We also have modern-day heroes whose actions continue to inspire society,” Fr. Kibirige said.
While paying tribute to Uganda’s historical heroes whose sacrifices contributed to the country’s peace and stability, the priest noted that the spirit of Heroes’ Day should also recognize individuals who demonstrate extraordinary courage and service in contemporary society.
He urged Ugandans to strive to become heroes in their own communities through acts of responsibility, sacrifice, and service.
Fr. Kibirige particularly challenged parents to play a more active role in raising responsible children, saying good parenting remains one of the greatest contributions to the country’s future.
“Both fathers and mothers must be heroes in their homes, just as Christians are called to be heroes within the Church,” he said.
The priest also used the occasion to rally support for a major parish development project. He announced that Christians from St. Andrew Kaggwa Kichwa Parish, neighboring parishes, and the wider Lugazi Diocese will gather on Sunday, June 14, 2026, for the groundbreaking ceremony of a planned 1,000-seater church.
Fr. Kibirige called upon believers from across the diocese and beyond to attend the event and contribute towards the construction project.
“We invite all Christians and well-wishers to join us as we begin this important journey of building a larger place of worship for our growing community,” he said.
His remarks came as the country reflected on the meaning of heroism, with renewed calls to recognize individuals whose courage and sacrifice have left a lasting impact on society.