President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has pledged ongoing support to the National Resistance Army (NRA) war veterans in Greater Kibaale for their pivotal role in bringing the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government to power.
Greater Kibaale comprises Kibaale, Kagadi, and Kakumiro districts. During a meeting on Wednesday, at State House Entebbe with 291 civilian war veterans from the Birembo War Contact Group Association, President Museveni promised a total of Shs300 million, with each Sacco association receiving Shs100 million. Recognizing their significant contributions in 1985, he also pledged to provide each family with a heifer and each district (Kagadi, Kibaale, and Kakumiro) with a tractor to support commercial agriculture.
“I want to thank you for supporting your war and winning it. They were doubting our capacity, but I thank you for your resilience and belief in our struggle. After all that struggle, we have had many achievements, and you can see the development by yourselves in the area,” President Museveni said.
Birembo in Kagadi district is significant in the 1981-1986 liberation struggle as it was a critical area where the NRA guerrilla fighters engaged the Obote government in January 1985, leading to victory in 1986.
Gen. Museveni assured the veterans that despite competing national priorities, the government is now better positioned to support its people through prioritization.
“When we came into government in 1986, the economy was down, and there was nothing in the national treasury. We started from scratch amid overwhelming priorities. Issues like paying off absentee landlords in greater Kibaale can be done in one year, but we have other equally important priorities like education, health, security, and roads. We have not failed or forgotten about you,” the President said, noting the need to balance the veterans’ demands with other national priorities.
He promised to follow up with the Ministry of Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Affairs to ensure all veterans receive their appreciation packages (akasiimo), ranging from Shs5 million for frontline fighters to Shs1 million for supporters and contact groups. “This is not enough, but if you use it wisely, for example, in agriculture, it can help you,” he added.
Additionally, President Museveni promised 100 iron sheets and cement to each of the 160 veterans whose houses were destroyed during the liberation war, aiding them in building better homes.
He also encouraged veterans to motivate their children to pursue science and engineering courses, which are highly needed in Uganda. He welcomed the veterans’ children who are eligible and those who did arts courses but are jobless to join the Uganda People’s Defence Forces or Uganda Police Force.
“The scientists I can struggle with. I’m also interested in those in accountancy and auditing, as we need these young people in the war against corruption,” the President said.
Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja thanked President Museveni for improving infrastructure, especially roads, in Greater Kibaale, enhancing regional development. She also expressed gratitude for the Shs20 billion allocated in the national budget for establishing Bunyoro University and the Land Fund under the Uganda Land Commission, which has benefited Greater Kibaale.
“Land titles presented for compensation in Greater Kibaale (Kibaale-Kakumiro and Kagadi) are worth UShs 108 billion, but only UShs 17 billion was in the budget for FY 2023/24 covering the whole country. We request that you help adequately capitalize the fund and direct it to Greater Kibaale to solve this historical problem once and for all,” Nabbanja added.
Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija highlighted the positive impact of government funds in the region. In Kibaale district alone, Shs8.9 billion has been dispatched, benefiting 8,445 people through wealth creation. He also urged the President to protect Kangombe Central Forest Reserve in Kagadi district, which has been encroached upon, to preserve the environment.
Hajji Moses Barakuraaha, Chairperson of NRA Veterans and Contact Persons in Greater Kibaale, appreciated President Museveni for his leadership since the liberation of Uganda on January 26, 1986. He pledged unwavering support to Museveni and the NRM government, urging the President to run for office in 2026 and beyond.
“Your Excellency, we the contact group and the people of Bunyoro promise you our continued unwavering support as our President and the NRM government. We kindly request you to offer yourself as our Presidential candidate in 2026 and beyond. Long live your Excellency, Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni,” said Hajji Moses.
He also thanked the President for mentoring their leaders, including Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Finance Minister Hon. Matia Kasaija, and State Minister for Works and Transport Hon. Fred Byamukama, who is also a patron of their association and a model farmer in the area.
The meeting was also addressed by Hon. Byamukama and attended by Members of Parliament, LCV Chairpersons, security officials, and Resident District Commissioners from Greater Kibaale.
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