Presidential Team Trains Teso Leaders on National Awards as President’s Office Demystifies Honors Process in Katakwi
By Skika Reporter.
The Office of the President, through the Department of Chancery, has intensified efforts to sensitize leaders in the Teso Sub-region on the National Honors and Awards system, aimed at recognizing outstanding individuals who have made significant contributions to Uganda’s development.
The sensitization campaign stems from Article 98 of the 1995 Constitution, which designates the President as the Fountain of Honor and empowers him to confer titles, medals, honors and awards on both Ugandan citizens and non-citizens for exceptional service to the nation.
On June 4, 2026, a team from the Chancery and Presidential Awards Committee visited Katakwi District to engage the district’s political, technical and security leadership on the legal framework, nomination procedures and importance of the National Honors and Awards programme.
During the meeting, district leaders raised concerns over misconceptions, allegations of corruption and conflicts among some civilian war victims regarding the award process. The Presidential Awards Committee clarified the procedures involved in identifying, vetting and forwarding nominees to the President for approval.
Speaking during the session, Hajjat Zaminah Malole, Secretary to the nine-member Presidential Awards Committee appointed by the President, explained that the National Honors and Awards Act, 2001 provides the legal basis for recognizing individuals through various categories of honors, decorations and medals.
She noted that the awards encompass Civilian Decorations and Medals, Military Decorations and Medals, as well as Uganda Police Medals. Malole further highlighted that the National Honors and Awards Act of 2001, the National Honors and Awards Regulations of 2014, and the Second Schedule Amendment Instrument of 2014 guide the award process.
According to Malole, nominations can be submitted by public and private institutions, organizations and individuals. The Chancery Committee then conducts background checks and verification before forwarding recommendations to the President for consideration.
She urged leaders and stakeholders to work closely with Resident District Commissioners (RDCs) in identifying deserving individuals whose contributions merit national recognition.
Mr. Shaban Ssentongo, an official from the Office of the President responsible for the administration and custodianship of national honors and awards, emphasized that the sensitization campaign seeks to increase public awareness about the award process and encourage continuous nomination of deserving citizens.
He explained that nominations should not be limited to national celebrations such as Heroes Day or Independence Day but should be submitted throughout the year whenever deserving individuals are identified.
The Resident District Commissioner of Katakwi, Stephen Ilemukor Okure, and the Acting Chief Administrative Officer, Samuel Becker Opio, welcomed the initiative and commended the Presidential team for providing clarity on the awards process.
Opio suggested that the selection criteria should also give due consideration to technical officers and civil servants who dedicate many years to public service.
The team stressed that the identification of exemplary achievers should be a continuous and confidential process to ensure fairness and integrity.
Katakwi District LCV Chairperson Geoffrey Omolo also appreciated the sensitization exercise, noting that it would help leaders better understand the nomination procedures and identify deserving candidates.
While applauding the government’s efforts to recognize distinguished citizens, Omolo argued that award recipients should receive additional benefits alongside medals. He cited the late Retired Major Kanuti Akorimo, who hoisted Uganda’s flag during the country’s independence celebrations in 1962, but reportedly passed away without enjoying substantial benefits associated with his national recognition.
The sensitization campaign forms part of the government’s broader effort to promote transparency, public participation and appreciation of citizens who have made exceptional contributions to Uganda’s social, economic and political development
