KAMPALA — President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed veteran leaders to account for Shs231 billion that has been disbursed over the years to support veterans’ wealth creation initiatives, saying government will conduct an audit to establish how the funds were utilized.
The President made the directive during the 37th Heroes’ Day celebrations held at State Lodge Nakasero on Tuesday. The event was marked by limited attendance, with fewer than 25 guests present due to Ebola prevention measures.
President Museveni used the occasion to pay tribute to civilian and military veterans who participated in the 1981-1986 liberation struggle that culminated in the National Resistance Movement’s capture of power.
“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,” he said.
The President said the liberation struggle was launched to rescue Uganda from political instability, insecurity, economic decline and failed governance.
“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. Here we said no, this has to be stopped. Well-wishers joined us and we were able to create that capacity,” he said.
“As someone who has been following, I think we have done well. That’s why the economy has expanded.”
Museveni revealed that the planned audit stems from a 2009 agreement between government and leaders of the veterans’ association under which liberation war veteran leaders and their spouses were to receive Shs5 million each as an appreciation package, while support cadres were to receive Shs1.5 million.
“We are going to have a meeting to find out what happened to that money,” the President said.
He also urged veterans to reform the management of their SACCOs to make it easier for government to support them through group-based wealth creation programmes.
To further support veterans and their families, Museveni announced plans to establish seedling multiplication centres on presidential farms.
“I will now use Kawumu, Gomba, Ngoma to supply seedlings to veterans and their children,” he said.
The President reiterated his long-standing wealth creation message, urging Ugandans to improve household incomes through productive economic activities.
“In my way of things; I don’t want to neighbour poor people everywhere I be; because I’m a Christian and I want to go to Heaven. I don’t want the angels to lock me out; like the rich man who had wealth on earth and on ascending; was sent to hell. Everywhere I be; I try to uplift the livelihood of those around me,” he said.
Museveni also confirmed that government will acquire 60 acres of land at Migadde along the Kampala-Bombo highway to establish a liberation war museum.
On healthcare for veterans, he directed his Principal Private Secretary to expedite arrangements for treatment at Entebbe Grade B Hospital to reduce dependence on costly private medical facilities.
Vice President Jessica Alupo thanked the President for ensuring that programmes supporting national heroes remain integrated into government planning and budgeting.
“And I thank the implementing MDAs for executing their roles and responsibilities and keeping in contact with our national heroes, specifically the veterans association of Luweero and many others in other parts of the country. I thank the implementing Ministers for doing a very good job,” she said.
Alupo paid tribute to veterans of FRONASA and the NRA/M, saying their sacrifices laid the foundation for the peace and stability Uganda enjoys today.
“It is due to their sacrifices that we are now enjoying those benefits,” she noted.
Minister for the Presidency Milly Babalanda said Heroes’ Day serves as a reminder that Uganda’s achievements were earned through sacrifice rather than chance.
State Minister for Luweero Triangle Affairs Alice Kaboyo praised veterans for their role in shaping Uganda’s history and congratulated President Museveni on his re-election.
“Your Excellency, on behalf of the gallant veterans, allow me to congratulate you upon your re-election and the trust bestowed upon you by the people of Uganda. I thank the people of Uganda for once again reaffirming their confidence in your visionary leadership and commitment to the transformation and prosperity of our nation,” Kaboyo said.
She added that Uganda’s socio-economic transformation has been made possible by the peace and stability established under the NRM government.
“We appreciate you, Your Excellency, for the sacrifice and that of other gallant sons and daughters of Uganda, some of whom paid the ultimate price of blood to restore the political, social and economic sanity in a country once haunted by bad leadership,” she said.
Representing the Chairman of the Luweero War Veterans Association, Kigundu Kabandwa thanked President Museveni and fellow bush war veterans for liberating the country and transforming the National Resistance Army into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces.
He also commended the President’s leadership, which he said has guided the NRM government for the last four decades.
The celebrations were attended by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija and other senior government officials.