By Leonard Kamugisha Akida,
KAMPALA
President Yoweri Museveni has ordered an audit into Shs231 billion that has been disbursed over the years to support veterans’ wealth creation initiatives across the country.
The President issued the directive during the 37th Heroes’ Day celebrations held at State Lodge Nakasero on Tuesday.
Museveni said the audit will establish what happened to the money that was intended to benefit veterans of the 1981-1986 liberation struggle.
“We are going to have a meeting to find out what happened to that money,” he said.
The directive stems from a 2009 meeting between the President and leaders of veterans’ associations, where it was agreed that each veteran leader and their spouses would receive Shs5 million as a token of appreciation, while support cadres would receive Shs1.5 million.
Museveni also urged veterans to reform the management of their SACCOs to enable government to support them more effectively through group-based programmes.
During the celebrations, the President praised both civilian and armed veterans for their role in liberating Uganda and helping to defeat a government army despite having limited resources.
“I want to thank the civilian and armed veterans who joined us to achieve this. I thank them so much, including those who are not here and their families,” he said.
Museveni said the National Resistance Army launched the liberation struggle in 1981 to address poor governance, insecurity, economic collapse and the breakdown of democracy.
He noted that Uganda has since registered significant progress in peace, security and economic growth.
The President also announced plans to establish seedling breeding centres at presidential farms in Kawumu, Gomba and Ngoma to supply seedlings to veterans and their children for wealth creation.
In addition, he said government will acquire 60 acres of land at Migadde along the Kampala-Bombo road to establish a liberation war museum.
Museveni further directed his Principal Private Secretary to expedite arrangements for veterans to access treatment at Entebbe Grade B Hospital, saying this would reduce the cost of seeking care from private hospitals.
Vice-President Jessica Alupo commended the President for sustaining programmes that support national heroes and veterans.
She paid tribute to veterans whose sacrifices, she said, laid the foundation for the peace and security Uganda enjoys today.
Babirye Milly Babalanda, the minister for presidency revealed that Heroes’ Day reminds Ugandans that their country’s progress was never handed to them on a silver platter; it was earned through sacrifice.
Meanwhile, Kigundu Kabandwa the representative of the Chairman of Luweero War Veteran Association, commended President Museveni and other bush war heroes for liberating Uganda and for transforming the National Resistance Army/ Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) into a national army.
Kabandwa also hailed the President for his steady and visionary leadership exhibited in the last 40 years of the NRM regime.
This year’s Heroes’ Day celebrations were attended by a limited number of guests due to Ebola-related restrictions
