On National Heroes’ Day, February 1, 2019, all students of Nyagatare Secondary School came together in the main hall of the school where they were addressed by Vice Mayor Juliette Murakatete. In her speech, she explained that heroism is a great action by someone in any situation that could cost them their life.

After her speech, the headmaster of the school, Edward M. Kabare, said that there was one S4 student in 2016, offering Biology, Chemistry, and Geography, known for his great deed. He is called Dan Mushabe, the former head prefect. At that time, the school was in a bad situation—with rampant robberies and students complaining that their belongings were constantly being stolen. One day, Mushabe stayed in one of the dormitories where stealing was wild with the objective of catching the thief. He didn’t care about the consequences, for example, like being beaten up or even killed by the thief. It was a selfless voluntary act that changed everything, the thief was caught—luckily Mushabe wasn’t harmed—and taken to administration.

The headmaster urged students to follow the example of Mushabe, to be selfless. He also explained that being a hero isn’t limited to fighting in wars. With good deeds in your daily life, you can be a hero—through academics by helping struggling classmates, for example. So, Mushabe’s kind of heroism is not done only once. Every day, we have the chance to do great deeds that benefit other people without expecting anything in return.

Mugisha is an aspiring writer at Nyagatare Secondary School