While emphasizing the need for accountability, President Museveni commended veterans for their role in the liberation struggle that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to power in 1986.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed leaders of veterans’ associations to account for sh231bn that was disbursed over the years to support wealth creation initiatives among veterans of Uganda’s 1981–1986 liberation struggle.
Speaking during the 37th Heroes’ Day celebrations at State Lodge Nakasero, President Museveni said a special meeting would be convened to establish how the funds were utilized and whether the intended beneficiaries received the support.
“We are going to have a meeting to find out what happened to that money,” the President said.
Shock and Grief as Catholic Bishop Is Shot Dead at His Residence
The directive stems from a 2009 agreement between the government and leaders of veterans’ associations under which sh5 million was to be paid as a token of appreciation to each veteran leader and their spouses, while support cadres were to receive sh1.5m.
While emphasizing the need for accountability, President Museveni commended veterans for their role in the liberation struggle that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) to power in 1986. He credited both civilian and armed veterans for helping restore stability, security, democracy, and economic growth in Uganda.
“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,” he said.
The President noted that the liberation struggle was launched to rescue Uganda from poor governance, insecurity, economic collapse, and political instability.
“We said this had to be stopped, and together we built the capacity to create a new Uganda,” he added.
To further support veterans and their families, President Museveni announced plans to establish seedling breeding centres at presidential farms in Kawumu, Gomba, and Ngoma. The facilities will provide seedlings to veterans and their children as part of wealth creation efforts.
He also urged veterans to strengthen the management of their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organizations (SACCOs) to make it easier for government support programs to reach beneficiaries through organized groups.
In addition, the President confirmed that the government will acquire 60 acres of land at Migadde along the Kampala–Bombo Road to establish a liberation war museum that will preserve the history of Uganda’s struggle for freedom.
On healthcare, President Museveni directed his Principal Private Secretary to expedite arrangements for veterans to access treatment at Entebbe Grade B Hospital, reducing reliance on costly private medical facilities.
The Heroes’ Day celebrations also featured tributes from government leaders, including Vice President Jessica Alupo, who praised Uganda’s national heroes for their sacrifices in securing peace and stability. She commended the government for continuously integrating veterans’ welfare programs into national planning and budgeting.
State Minister for Luweero Triangle Affairs Alice Kaboyo also paid tribute to the veterans, describing them as courageous patriots whose sacrifices helped shape Uganda’s history and laid the foundation for the country’s social and economic transformation.
The event was attended by senior government officials, including Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oulanyah Oboth-Oboth, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, veterans, and other dignitaries.
