Hajjati Malole Zaminah, the secretary of the presidential awards committee, has cautioned district committees in Bunyoro region against bribery and personal biases when selecting recipients for honours and awards.
Emphasizing that honours and awards are bestowed upon individuals based on their contributions to national development, Zaminah underscored the importance of focusing on the positive impact individuals have made in society, rather than their financial status.
Furthermore, Zaminah urged committees to refrain from allowing personal interests or political conflicts to influence the selection process, emphasizing the inclusion of outstanding innovators, scientists, entrepreneurs, politicians, and public servants among the nominees.
She highlighted the importance of recognizing a diverse range of individuals beyond veterans, as the spirit of nationalism and patriotism can be diminished when deserving candidates are overlooked.
Zaminah, alongside other officials, is currently conducting outreach in Bunyoro, with recent engagements in Hoima city and Hoima district. During these sessions, they shared information about the policies and regulations governing the selection of honours and awards recipients.
Uthiman Mubarak, the Hoima district chairman, stressed the need for public awareness about the significance of honours and awards, noting that some recipients express dissatisfaction, expecting financial support along with the recognition.
Baduru Mugabi, the Hoima Resident City Commissioner, commended the President’s Office for its efforts in sensitizing stakeholders about the criteria and processes involved in awarding honours and awards.
