President Museveni Orders Probe into Shs231 Billion Veterans Fund

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has paid tribute to bush war heroes for their role in liberating Uganda during the 1981–1986 liberation struggle in the Luweero Triangle, praising both civilian and armed veterans for their sacrifices in securing peace and stability in the country. “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,” President Museveni said. The President made the remarks on Monday during the 37th Heroes’ Day celebrations held at State Lodge, Nakasero. This year’s celebrations registered limited physical attendance, with fewer than 25 guests due to Ebola-related restrictions. President Museveni said the decision to launch the liberation struggle in 1981 was driven by the need to restore order in a country plagued by poor governance, insecurity, and economic collapse. “At the time, democracy, security and the economy had collapsed because of the mistakes of past leaders. The choice was survival or continue bleeding like it has happened in some other countries. We said no, this has to stop,” he said. He noted that Uganda has since made significant progress, highlighting economic growth and improved stability. “As someone who has been following, I think we have done well. That’s why the economy has expanded,” he added. The President also directed leaders of veterans’ associations to convene for an audit into Shs231 billion periodically disbursed to support veterans’ wealth creation initiatives across the country. The directive follows a 2009 agreement between the President and leaders of the Veterans Association, under which veteran leaders and their spouses were to receive Shs5 million in appreciation (akasiimo), while support cadres were allocated Shs1.5 million. “We are going to have a meeting to find out what happened to that money,” President Museveni said. He further advised veterans to reform the management of their SACCOs to enable easier government support through group initiatives. In a move aimed at promoting household incomes among veterans, President Museveni announced plans to establish seedling breeding facilities at presidential farms to supply seedlings to veterans and their families for wealth creation. “I will now use Kawumu, Gomba and Ngoma to supply seedlings to veterans and their children,” he said. The President also reiterated his message on wealth creation, urging Ugandans to uplift communities around them. “I do not want to neighbour poor people because I want to go to Heaven. Everywhere I go, I try to uplift the livelihoods of those around me,” he said. Additionally, President Museveni confirmed government plans to acquire 60 acres of land at Migadde along the Kampala–Bombo Road for the establishment of a liberation war museum. On veterans’ welfare, he directed his Principal Private Secretary to expedite treatment arrangements for veterans at Entebbe Grade B Hospital to reduce reliance on costly private healthcare facilities. Vice President Jessica Alupo commended President Museveni for consistently mainstreaming programmes aimed at supporting Uganda’s national heroes through government planning and budgeting. She also paid tribute to veterans of FRONASA and the NRA/M for their sacrifices, which she said laid the foundation for the peace and security Uganda enjoys today. “It is due to their sacrifices that we are now enjoying those benefits,” Alupo said. The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babalanda, said Heroes’ Day serves as a reminder that Uganda’s progress was earned through sacrifice and resilience. Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Luweero Triangle Affairs, Alice Kaboyo, applauded veterans for shaping Uganda’s history through courage and sacrifice, while also congratulating President Museveni on his re-election. She said Uganda’s socio-economic transformation had been made possible through the peace and stability ushered in by the NRM government. Representing the Chairman of the Luweero War Veterans Association, Kigundu Kabandwa thanked President Museveni and fellow bush war heroes for liberating Uganda and transforming the National Resistance Army into a professional national army. He also praised the President’s leadership, crediting it for sustaining the NRM government over the last four decades.