Gulu City, Uganda: Watoto Wa Jeshi (Children of the Armed Forces), operating under the Northern Uganda Children of the Armed Forces association, has been officially launched in Gulu City to mobilise support and hunt votes for President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni ahead of the January 15, 2026, general elections.
The group took to the streets of Gulu City on Monday, December 29, drawing about 200 youths in a peaceful procession through the city centre, chanting messages in support of Museveni’s bid to retain office for a seventh term.
Speaking at the launch, team leader Tracy Gloria Ayot, daughter of late Capt John Harrison Obote, said the association was formed to unite children of armed forces personnel across the Acholi sub-region to canvass votes for the President, citing the historic role played by their parents in Uganda’s liberation and security.
“Children of northern Uganda suffered greatly during the war, and now we are rebuilding. There is a big difference compared to the past,” Ayot said. “Much as our parents had choices to work elsewhere, they chose to serve in the armed forces out of love for this country.”
Association member Onencan Richard said coordinators had already been appointed in all districts of the Acholi sub-region to oversee mobilisation and registration, estimating current membership at more than 1,500.
Membership, he explained, includes children of personnel from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, Uganda Police Force, Uganda Prisons Service, and the Uganda Wildlife Authority. Prospective members are required to present details of their parent, including service numbers.
Beyond campaigning, Onencan said the association intends to advocate for challenges affecting children of the armed forces, particularly unresolved gratuity and pension issues for retired or fallen officers.
“We have children whose parents never received gratuity or pension. Under this association, we shall first support President Museveni and afterwards present our needs,” he said.
Ayot added that the group plans to compile a detailed position paper outlining the needs of children of armed forces personnel and will roll out similar launches across all districts of Acholi.
“As children of the armed forces, we want to be considered in associations, SACCOs and government programmes. I will continue to front our voices until we are considered,” she said.
The launch, held at the former presidential state lodge behind Acholi Inn Hotel, was attended by several leaders and security officials. The association confirmed backing from Richard Todwong, the Secretary General of the National Resistance Movement.
Addressing the gathering, Allan Olara, son of the late Gen. Otema Awany and Chairperson of NRM members in the United Kingdom, urged members to think beyond the 2026 elections.
“Let us organise ourselves beyond 2026. We should strategise to take leadership positions in 2031. We are spread across Uganda and can form one strong association to represent our interests,” Olara said.
Responding to concerns over gratuity and pension, the Regional Internal Security Officer (RISO) for Northern Uganda said the issues are being addressed through regional pension services, although challenges persist due to incomplete documentation.
He noted that many families struggle to access service details of deceased relatives and urged them to work with colleagues and army offices to fast-track processing.
The Regional Police Commander for Aswa West, Fred Ahimbisibwe, commended the group for maintaining discipline during the procession.
“To see children of the armed forces mobilising in an orderly manner is commendable,” Ahimbisibwe said, cautioning members against being drawn into criminal activities during the campaign period. “Go out and mobilise people to vote for Museveni. We are here to protect the people and their votes,” he added.
The Office of the Regional Coordinator of the President, led by Bosco Odoch Olak, pledged full support to the association, advising members to organise themselves into clusters of 20 for effective community mobilisation.
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