Kampala, Uganda: President Museveni has directed leaders of veterans’ associations to account for more than Shs231 billion that government has disbursed over the years to support former bush war fighters and liberation struggle veterans, signalling a fresh audit into the alleged mismanagement of the funds.
Speaking during the 37th Heroes’ Day celebrations held at State Lodge Nakasero on Tuesday, President Museveni said government will convene a special meeting with veterans’ leaders to establish what happened to money intended to support wealth creation initiatives among former fighters and support cadres.
“We are going to have a meeting to find out what happened to that money,” Museveni said while addressing a limited gathering of leaders and invited guests during the scientific celebrations held under Ebola restrictions.
The President explained that the directive stems from resolutions reached during a 2009 meeting between government and leaders of veterans’ associations, where it was agreed that each veteran leader and spouse would receive Shs5 million as an appreciation package, while support cadres would receive Shs1.5 million.
Museveni said government has since periodically released funds to support veterans across the country and now wants accountability on how the resources have been utilized.
The President used the occasion to pay tribute to civilian and armed veterans who participated in the 1981–1986 liberation struggle, crediting them for helping to restore security, democracy and economic stability in Uganda.
“Therefore, I want to thank the civilian and armed veterans who joined us to achieve this; to defeat an army of the government which had all the weapons. I thank them so much, even those who are not here, I want their families to be saluted,” Museveni said.
Reflecting on the reasons behind the armed struggle, Museveni said Uganda at the time was characterized by poor governance, insecurity, a collapsed economy and a dysfunctional democratic system.
“The democracy, security and economy of Uganda had collapsed because of the mistakes of past leaders. Governance had collapsed so really the choice was survival or continue bleeding like it has happened in some other countries,” he said.
Beyond accountability, Museveni announced new interventions aimed at supporting veterans and their families economically.
He revealed plans to establish seedling multiplication and breeding facilities at presidential farms in Kawumu, Gomba and Ngoma to supply planting materials to veterans and their children for wealth creation purposes.
“I will now use Kawumu, Gomba, Ngoma to supply seedlings to veterans and their children,” the President said.
He also advised veterans to reform and strengthen the management of their SACCOs to make it easier for government to channel support through organized groups.
In another major announcement, Museveni confirmed that government will purchase 60 acres of land at Migadde along the Kampala–Bombo Road to establish a Liberation War Museum aimed at preserving the history of Uganda’s liberation struggle.
The President further directed his Principal Private Secretary to fast-track arrangements for veterans to access treatment at Entebbe Grade B Hospital, arguing that this would reduce expenditure on treatment in private health facilities.
Vice President Jessica Alupo praised government for consistently mainstreaming heroes’ and veterans’ programmes into national planning and budgeting frameworks, noting that the sacrifices made by Uganda’s liberation heroes continue to benefit the country through peace, security and economic growth.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda said Heroes’ Day serves as a reminder that Uganda’s progress was achieved through sacrifice rather than chance.
State Minister for Luweero Triangle Affairs Alice Kaboyo also paid tribute to veterans and commended President Museveni for what she described as his role in guiding Uganda’s socio-economic transformation.
The scientific Heroes’ Day celebrations were attended by Speaker Jacob Oboth Oboth, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, veteran representatives and a select group of dignitaries due to public health restrictions.
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