KAMPALA — The Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has pledged to investigate the management of funds allocated to Uganda’s liberation war veterans after former fighters raised concerns about their welfare and the whereabouts of money released to support them.
Nabbanja said she would engage officials in charge of veterans’ affairs and conduct follow-ups to establish how the funds are being utilised, amid complaints from veterans that some of their longstanding concerns remain unresolved.
She made the commitment on Tuesday during a Spiritual Revival of the Fallen Warriors ceremony held at the Office of the National Chairman (ONC) in Kyambogo, Kampala, as part of activities marking President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s 82nd birthday.
The ceremony brought together surviving liberation fighters, families of fallen warriors, religious leaders, government officials and NRM supporters to remember those who sacrificed their lives during Uganda’s liberation struggle.
Nabbanja assured the veterans that their concerns would be documented and forwarded to President Museveni for consideration.
She also promised to work with the Ministry of Defence and other relevant institutions to establish how funds allocated to veterans are being managed.
The Prime Minister said government had made significant progress in transforming Uganda over the years but acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly in addressing the needs of veterans and their families.
She said Shs20 billion was allocated to support veterans in the last financial year but noted that more needed to be done to ensure those who sacrificed for the country are not left behind.
“We cannot say that our work is finished. We must continue to examine what more can be done,” Nabbanja said, calling for stronger institutions to handle veterans’ affairs.
She also called for greater attention to the children of former fighters, saying they should have opportunities to access education, employment and other services.
The ONC Manager and Senior Presidential Advisor, Hajjat Hadijah Namyalo Uzeiye, said the ceremony was organised not only to celebrate Museveni’s birthday but also to recognise the contribution of men and women who participated in the liberation struggle.
Namyalo said some veterans continue to experience hardship despite the sacrifices they made for the country.
“We thought that, by now, all your concerns had been addressed and that you had been adequately catered for. Unfortunately, there are still some hiccups and a few outstanding issues that need to be addressed,” she said.
She said the concerns raised by the veterans showed that some continued to carry pain and felt that their contribution had not been adequately recognised.
Namyalo appealed to Museveni to intervene, saying his personal understanding of the liberation struggle placed him in a strong position to address the concerns of former fighters.
She also said the ONC would continue monitoring the situation on the ground and present the findings to relevant authorities for action.
State Minister for Lands Harriet Ntabazi said the liberation struggle also created an opportunity for the children of former fighters to contribute to Uganda’s development through leadership and public service.
Ntabazi, who said she comes from Bundibugyo, recalled the community’s support for the National Resistance Army and said she had remained committed to Museveni’s vision.
She said her appointment as State Minister for Lands was a responsibility she was prepared to undertake despite the challenges associated with managing the lands docket.
“As a fighter, I shall handle it,” Ntabazi said, urging the sons and daughters of liberation fighters to participate in leadership and contribute to building a better Uganda.
She said the legacy of the liberation struggle should not only be remembered through ceremonies but should also inspire the younger generation to serve the country
In a message delivered by Nabbanja, Museveni praised Namyalo for organising the event and called on Ugandans to remember the sacrifices made by both fighters and civilians during the liberation struggle.
Museveni said Uganda’s transformation was achieved through collective sacrifice and that the country’s heroes should not only be remembered as people who carried guns.
He said peasants and other civilians also played a critical role by providing food, shelter, information and other forms of support to fighters.
The President urged Ugandans, particularly the younger generation, to preserve the values of patriotism, sacrifice, unity and service to the country.
The event also featured prayers for the souls of fallen fighters, led by Reverend Erisa Mayanja and attended by religious leaders from different faiths.
Former fighters, including those who joined the struggle while still young, popularly known as “Kadogos,” and children of former combatants shared their experiences, including losing comrades, suffering disabilities and facing difficulties after the war.
They subsequently presented their concerns to Nabbanja and Namyalo for onward transmission to the President.
The ceremony coincided with Museveni’s 82nd birthday. Born on September 15, 1944, Museveni led the National Resistance Army during the armed struggle that culminated in the 1986 takeover of power
