President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged to improve the welfare of war veterans, saying it is unacceptable for those who fought for Uganda’s freedom to remain in poverty.
Speaking at State House, Entebbe, on September 3, 2025, the President addressed veterans from Luwero, Wakiso, Nakasongola, Kiboga, Kyankwanzi, and Nakaseke districts while closing the Transformational Leadership Course Intake 07/2025 for veteran cadres. He urged the government and communities to honor the sacrifices of the 1981–1986 liberation fighters by ensuring their economic empowerment.
“It’s not good to have the veterans in poverty. It’s not good at all,” President Museveni said. He noted that veterans who sacrificed in the early years deserve better support and announced plans to establish revolving funds at the zonal level to improve their incomes.
The President called on veterans to form associations and SACCOs through which the government can channel financial support. “We are giving money to the Kampala ghetto boys. Why can’t we give money to the SACCOs of veterans?” he asked.
He stressed that ex-servicemen must be integrated into commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT to guarantee prosperity. For those without land, Museveni advised engaging in trade, artisanship, or small-scale manufacturing. “If you don’t have land, then your option is to have omwoga—an economic activity that is not based on land. You can do maize milling, tailoring, carpentry, or other trades that generate income,” he explained.
The President recalled that veterans were meant to be the first beneficiaries of Operation Wealth Creation launched in 2013. “I told General Saleh to first give seedlings to all the veteran families and those who supported us during the war. Only after that should others benefit. But I later heard some veterans missed out because they lacked land,” he said.
Museveni also revisited the NRM’s ideological principles of patriotism, pan-Africanism, socio-economic transformation, and democracy. He stressed that true prosperity requires production for sale, not dependence on handouts, and highlighted regional markets as essential for Uganda’s surplus production in milk, maize, and sugar.
“Fortunately, there is a regional market that buys our extra milk, beef, and maize. That’s why we say we need East Africa, we need Africa for our own prosperity,” he emphasized.
On behalf of the veterans, Captain (Rtd) Leonard Settimba presented a memorandum requesting a revolving fund, government-backed loans, and an annual national day to celebrate Kadogos and bush war fighters. Veterans also raised concerns about land evictions, but Museveni assured them they would not be removed as long as they pay busuulu (ground rent).
The event was attended by Brigadier General Justus Rukundo, Commandant of the Oliver Reginald Tambo Leadership School, who reported that the school has trained 15 intakes of officers and continues to build ideological clarity and leadership among cadres. He revealed ongoing projects at the school, including the construction of a guest house named after the ANC and Oliver Tambo, with further infrastructure pending funding.
Several senior leaders were present, including Alice Kaboyo, Minister of State for the Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region; Maj. Gen. David Mugisha, Commander of the Special Forces Command; Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Phinehas Kitirima, NRM District Chairperson for Sembabule; Maj. Gen. James Kiwanuka, UPDF Joint Staff for Human Resource Management; Maj. Gen. Steven Mugerwa, UPDF 1st Division Commander, and Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, Director of Defence Public Information.
