President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has met with families of fallen fighters who were involved in various armed struggles during Uganda’s liberation period, reaffirming the government’s commitment to honour their contributions and support their welfare.
The families included those of the late Brig Eric Odwar, Hitler Eregu, and Onyango Odongo—all of whom played different roles during Uganda’s turbulent liberation years.
Brig Odwar, once a commander in the Uganda National Liberation Front (UNLA), died in the 1987 battle of Corner Kilak. At the time, he had joined Alice Lakwena’s Holy Spirit Movement, but President Museveni noted that Odwar was already in touch with the National Resistance Army (NRA) seeking peace.
Hitler Eregu had joined the Uganda People’s Army (UPA), a rebel group active in the Teso region that fought against the NRA. He also died during the conflict. Onyango Odongo, who served at the NRM Secretariat, passed away from natural causes.
President Museveni also met Mr Serapio Ochan, a former Uganda Commercial Bank (UCB) branch manager in Hoima, and his sons. In June 1984, during an NRA attack on Hoima, Mr Ochan’s financial assistance played a crucial role in procuring food and supplies for the resistance effort.
“I thank them for their resilience,” President Museveni said in a statement shared on his official [X/Twitter] account. “We reiterate our commitment to supporting their welfare by providing resources and business opportunities to empower them.”
The President emphasised that the sacrifices of these individuals and their families remain vital to Uganda’s liberation story and the progress made since. He reaffirmed that the government would continue to recognise and uplift those who contributed to the struggle.
