Lyantonde, Uganda: President Yoweri Museveni has pledged intensified support for war veterans and renewed efforts to curb rural insecurity as Uganda marked the 36th Heroes Day celebrations at Lyantonde Technical Institute Grounds in Kabula County.
Accompanied by First Lady and Minister of Education Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President lauded fighters of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and residents of Kabula and Sembabule for their vital role in the 1981–1986 liberation war.
“I want to salute the fighters who stood firm during the resistance movement. In particular, I also want to salute the people of this area, Kabula, Sembabule, who supported us in the struggle,” Museveni said, during the national Heroes Day celebrations held in Lyantonde, under the theme: “The Legacy and Ideals of our Heroes: A Memorable Inspiration.”
The President directed a new approach to veterans’ housing support, suggesting the provision of construction materials like iron sheets and cement rather than fully built homes. “You may not build an entire house, but at least give iron sheets and cement, and let the families make their own bricks. Let’s solve one problem at a time,” he said.
He reminded attendees of his 2008 decision to reward war veterans and supporters with cash tokens and reaffirmed that the government would now treat veterans at Entebbe Grade B Hospital to reduce costs from private hospitals.
The President also announced a burial fund for former fighters, underscoring their historical importance and the state’s obligation to honour them with dignity.
Rural Security and Sub-County Policing
Museveni blamed recent rural insecurity on poor coordination and inadequate police response, citing a fatal attack in Bukomansimbi and another averted assault in Lukaya. “There should be police at every sub-county operating a 24-hour toll-free line, managed in shifts. When under threat, people should call the police, not their relatives,” he stressed.
He praised a local nurse, Nakyambadde, whose emergency call to police helped foil an attack on her home. The suspects were eventually tracked down to Ntungamo. “That phone call saved her life. This was the kind of coordination we’ve been lacking,” he noted.
On land disputes, President Museveni reiterated his zero-tolerance stance on illegal evictions of bibanja tenants by absentee landlords. “Chasing people off land is banned. It is illegal. If someone claims to be your landlord and asks you to leave, that’s abuse of your ignorance,” he said.
He revealed plans for a new law allowing tenants to pay nominal rent through sub-county offices, shielding them from extortion and eviction threats.
Museveni also backed farmer transformation through small-scale irrigation, pasture production, and succession reforms to prevent land fragmentation upon inheritance.
Local Infrastructure and Development
Responding to regional demands, the President pledged to prioritize key road projects including the Ntutsi–Kashagama–Lyantonde and Lyantonde–Lumbugu–Rakai roads. “We are moving with wealth creation, and I see change. Let us protect our progress and finish the mission we started together,” he urged.
National Praise for Museveni’s Legacy
Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babalanda, hailed President Museveni as a living hero and lauded the people of Kabula as “freedom enablers” during the 1981 resistance war. “Even those who didn’t physically join the war contributed financially, materially, and morally. Some acted as contacts for those in the bush,” she said.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for fighting for the freedom of Uganda. Today, Uganda is a beacon of stability and a sanctuary to nearly two million refugees,” Babalanda added, urging national prayers for peace and the President’s health as the country approaches elections.
State Minister for Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, praised Museveni’s “game-changing” sub-county policing strategy and recognized government support to veterans through partnerships with the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC).
She also highlighted a high-impact medical outreach that treated over 2,300 residents during the Heroes Day week in the region. “We are grateful to our dedicated medical partners whose expertise and compassion helped deliver life-saving services to our people,” she noted.
Civilian Veterans Chairperson, Mr. Kigundu Kabandwa, thanked the President for hosting the event in Lyantonde, calling the district “a crucible of resistance” and urging the continued protection of the UPDF’s professionalism.
“We are proud of our well-trained and disciplined UPDF. Please keep it that way,” he said.
Earlier in the day, President Museveni and the First Lady laid a wreath at a monument site in honor of fallen NRA fighters.
Distinguished individuals, veterans, civil servants, and community leaders were recognized for their service to Uganda’s liberation and development.
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