On a quiet morning in Katale-Kamese, Butalangu Town Council, an elderly former Muluka Chief watched with emotion as government officials handed him the keys to a newly built home. For Nyindo Muluka, a civilian veteran of Uganda’s liberation struggle, the gesture was more than shelter — it was a long-overdue symbol of national gratitude.
The house, fully funded by the Ministry of Luwero-Rwenzori under the Office of the Prime Minister, was constructed by NEC Construction Works and Engineering Ltd, a subsidiary of the National Enterprise Corporation (NEC). It marked the seventh civilian veteran house officially handed over by Alice Kaboyo, Minister of State for Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region.
“Veterans like Muluka were not just observers — they were pillars of the revolution,” Minister Kaboyo said during the handover. “Their sacrifices must not only be remembered but honoured in tangible ways.”
Housing Heroes of the Liberation
The veteran housing initiative is part of a broader government programme to honour civilian contributors to the 1981–1986 liberation struggle led by Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. Most of these veterans remain unsung heroes, their contributions often made behind the scenes in hostile environments.
Kaboyo emphasized that civilian veterans deserve more than ceremonial remembrance. “We must preserve their dignity through housing, healthcare, and recognition,” she said.
She listed six other beneficiaries of completed homes: Lwanyaga of Wakiso, Sam Luttamaguzi of Kikandwa, Samuel Ssejemba of Mukono, Peter Mpiima Kazimoto of Budaka, Esther Tumwiine of Mbarara, and Dodoviko Lubowa Galimpitawa of Semuto.
Tackling Gratitude Delays
The Minister acknowledged delays in the long-promised Akasiimo (gratitude) payments, especially in Nakaseke and surrounding areas. She attributed the hold-ups to incomplete veteran records, but assured the public that a verification committee was already at work.
“Funds for verified veterans in Nakaseke, Luwero, and Nakasongola are already in the 2024 budget. We are committed to clearing all pending cases,” Kaboyo said.
She also addressed the plight of unemployed youth from veteran families, urging them to form associations and present development proposals to the President, who has historically supported grassroots initiatives.
Kaboyo pointed to the newly completed abattoir in Butalangu as a job creation opportunity, particularly for the youth. “It’s not enough to wait for jobs; we must be proactive,” she noted.
A Call for Civic Duty
The Minister reminded communities not to rely solely on government aid. She praised State Minister for Kampala, Kabuye Kyofatogabye, for donating land to a veteran and encouraged others to follow his example.
“Civic responsibility is how we complement government efforts,” Kaboyo said. She reiterated President Museveni’s pledge to provide homes to all deserving veterans and to equip Entebbe Grade B Hospital to meet their medical needs.
Voices from the Ground
At the ceremony, Minister Kabuye Kyofatogabye called on youth to embrace patriotism and hard work. He highlighted ongoing government wealth creation initiatives, including the Parish Development Model (PDM), which is helping boost household incomes.
He praised the new wave of youth leadership and urged more inclusion for women and persons with disabilities. “Let everyone have a voice in shaping their community’s future,” he said.
Nakaseke Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Rosemary Byabasajja, echoed support for Kaboyo’s efforts. She cited growing insecurity challenges in the area, including livestock theft, rape, and land conflicts. However, she applauded the Ministry for supporting over 40 community groups and completing two veteran houses in the district.
“Under Kaboyo’s leadership, we have seen real progress. But we still have many uncompensated veterans,” she said, urging faster verification and compensation.
Byabasajja also highlighted broader district development gains, such as the upgrade of Semuto Health Centre IV and improvements in lower-tier health facilities.
Commitment to Quality
Representing NEC Managing Director Lt. Gen. James Mugira, Eng. Brian Buhanda confirmed that seven of the planned twelve homes were now complete.
“We appreciate the trust from the Office of the Prime Minister. NEC remains committed to quality and deadlines,” he said.
Buhanda praised Kaboyo’s hands-on approach and reaffirmed NEC’s role in upholding the legacy of Uganda’s freedom fighters.
Honouring the Past, Building the Future
As the ceremony drew to a close, the crowd gathered around Nyindo Muluka’s new home — a modest but dignified structure symbolizing a nation’s gratitude.
“This is not just a house; it’s a promise fulfilled,” Kaboyo said. “And we are not done yet.”
The event was attended by senior government officials, including Najjemba, Woman Member of Parliament for Nakaseke District, NEC officials, and members of the local community.
As Uganda inches toward the 2026 general elections, the message from Nakaseke was clear: true patriotism lies not only in fighting for the country but also in remembering those who did.
