President Museveni Hails Bush War Heroes, Orders Audit of Veterans’ Funds

President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has hailed the heroes of the 1981–1986 liberation struggle in the Luweero Triangle for their role in liberating Uganda and laying the foundation for the country’s stability and development.

“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 made the remarks during the 37th Heroes’ Day celebrations held at State Lodge, Nakasero. This year’s celebrations were attended by a limited number of guests.

President Museveni said the decision to launch the liberation struggle in 1981 was driven by the need to build a new and stable Uganda at a time when the country was characterised by poor governance, insecurity, a collapsed democracy, and a struggling economy.

“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 to continue bleeding, as 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.”

The President also directed leaders of veterans’ associations to account for Shs231 billion that has been periodically disbursed to support veterans’ wealth creation initiatives across the country.

The directive stems from a 2009 meeting between the President and leaders of veterans’ associations, during which it was agreed that each veteran leader of the liberation struggle, including their spouses, would receive Shs5 million as a token of appreciation, while support cadres would receive Shs1.5 million.

“We are going to have a meeting to find out what happened to that money,” he said.

President Museveni further advised veterans to reform the management of their SACCOs to make it easier for government to support them through organised groups.

He also announced plans to establish seedling breeding facilities at presidential farms to supply seedlings to veterans and their children for wealth creation purposes.

“I will now use Kawumu, Gomba and Ngoma to supply seedlings to veterans and their children,” he said.

The President used the occasion to reiterate his wealth creation message to Ugandans.

“In my way of thinking, I do not want to live among poor people because I am a Christian and I want to go to Heaven. I do not want the angels to lock me out, like the rich man who had wealth on earth but was sent to hell. Everywhere I am, I try to uplift the livelihoods of those around me,” he said.

President Museveni also confirmed that the government will purchase 60 acres of land at Migadde along the Kampala–Bombo Road to establish a liberation war museum.

On veterans’ welfare, he directed his Principal Private Secretary to fast-track arrangements for veterans to access treatment at Entebbe Grade B Hospital, saying this would reduce the need to spend money on private healthcare facilities.

Vice President Jessica Alupo thanked the President for consistently prioritising and mainstreaming programmes that support Uganda’s national heroes through government planning and budgeting processes.

“I thank the implementing MDAs for executing their roles and responsibilities and for keeping in touch with our national heroes, specifically the veterans’ associations of Luweero and many others across the country. I also thank the implementing ministers for doing a very good job,” she said.

Alupo paid tribute to national heroes across the country, especially members of FRONASA and the NRA/M, whom she credited with helping to usher Uganda into a period of peace and security that has enabled citizens to participate in productive economic activities.

“It is due to their sacrifices that we are now enjoying these benefits,” she noted.

The Minister for the Presidency, Hon. Milly Babirye Babalanda, said Heroes’ Day serves as a reminder that Uganda’s progress was not handed to its people on a silver platter but was earned through sacrifice and determination.

The Minister of State for Luweero Triangle Affairs, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, commended the veterans for their courage and sacrifice in shaping Uganda’s history.

“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,” she said.

Kaboyo added that Uganda’s significant socio-economic transformation and human development achievements had been made possible by the peace and security established under the NRM government.

“We appreciate you, Your Excellency, for your sacrifice and that of other gallant sons and daughters of Uganda, some of whom paid the ultimate price in blood to restore political, social and economic stability in a country once haunted by poor leadership,” she said.

Representing the Chairman of the Luweero War Veterans Association, Mr. Kigundu Kabandwa thanked President Museveni and fellow bush war heroes for liberating Uganda and transforming the National Resistance Army into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), a national army.

He also commended the President for his leadership, which he said has enabled the NRM government to steer the country for the last four decades.

The event was attended by the Speaker of Parliament, Rt. Hon. Jacob Oulanyah Oboth-Oboth, the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, the Chief Justice, His Lordship Flavian Zeija, and other dignitaries.