📷 President Museveni pledges support for war veterans on Heroes Day
“I want to salute the fighters who stood firm during the resistance movement. In particular, I also want to salute the people of this area Kabula, Sembabule who supported us in the struggle,” President Museveni said.
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni in a photo group with some of the guests during Heroes Day celebrations held Monday at Lyantonde Technical Institute Grounds in Kaliiro Town Council, Lyantonde district. (PPU photos)
By New Vision Journalist
Journalists @New Vision
________________
President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to honouring Uganda’s war veterans and enhancing grassroots security as the country marked Heroes Day.
Accompanied by the First Lady and Minister of Education and Sports, Janet Kataaha Museveni, the President presided over the 36th Heroes Day celebrations held Monday at Lyantonde Technical Institute Grounds in Kaliiro Town Council, Lyantonde district.
He hailed the contribution of National Resistance Army (NRA) fighters and highlighted the exceptional role played by the people of Kabula and Sembabule in the liberation struggle.
“I want to salute the fighters who stood firm during the resistance movement. In particular, I also want to salute the people of this area Kabula, Sembabule who supported us in the struggle,” President Museveni said.
Observed annually on June 9, Heroes Day commemorates the sacrifice of Ugandans who contributed to the country’s liberation and development. The holiday was first celebrated in 1989, honouring the 1981 execution of NRA fighters led by Edidian Mukiibi Luttamaguzi by the Uganda National Liberation Army for aiding the resistance.
This year’s event was held under the theme: “The Legacy and Ideals of our Heroes: A memorable Inspiration.”
Prioritising war veterans’ welfare
President Museveni directed the Ministry of Luwero Triangle to revisit its budget priorities with a focus on providing practical support to the families of both fallen and surviving veterans.
He proposed a cost-effective approach to housing support, recommending the provision of building materials—such as iron sheets and cement—while families contribute bricks and labour.
“The budget must be focused. You may not build an entire house, but at least give iron sheets and cement, and let the families make their own bricks. Let’s solve one problem at a time,” he said.
Citing past initiatives, the President recalled directing Gen. Salim Saleh to prioritise veteran families in wealth creation programmes such as NAADS and Operation Wealth Creation in 2013.
He also recounted his 2008 meeting with over 800 leaders in Kyankwanzi, where he announced a sh5 million token for each veteran leader and sh1 million for other supporters.
To improve access to medical care, Museveni revealed plans to shift veteran healthcare services to Entebbe Grade B Hospital to reduce treatment costs at private facilities like Nakasero Hospital.
He also announced a dedicated burial fund for former fighters.
Addressing rural insecurity
Turning to security concerns, the President linked rural crime to delayed response and communication breakdowns.
He cited a deadly attack in Kisojo, Bukomansimbi, as evidence of poor coordination, noting that he had directed all sub-county police stations to operate 24-hour toll-free emergency lines managed in shifts.
“When I went there, I realised that the problem was poor coordination. So, I directed that there should be police at every sub-county to operate a 24-hour toll-free line, managed in shifts,” he said.
Museveni pointed to a case involving a nurse, Nakyambadde, who successfully contacted local police when criminals attempted to attack her home near Lukaya. The prompt response led to the gang’s arrest, with the last suspect apprehended in Ntungamo.
“That phone call saved her life. This was the kind of coordination we have been lacking,” he said.
“These killers were not special. What they took advantage of was our disorganisation.”
He also referred to the tracking of assailants in Masaka who were caught with the aid of police dogs, arguing that trained response teams and better coordination are key to ending rural violence.
Reforms on land disputes
Addressing land justice, the President took a firm stance against landlords evicting bibanja tenants, asserting that such disputes should be resolved by government.
“This is a colonial legacy, chasing people off land is banned. It is illegal. The government will set clear boundaries. If someone claims to be your landlord, brings papers and tells you to leave, that's abuse of your ignorance,” he said.
Museveni revealed that an upcoming law will allow tenants to pay rent through sub-county offices. Landlords who refuse these payments will be barred from intimidating or evicting tenants.
He also urged farmers to adopt pasture-growing techniques for livestock and pledged government support for smallholder irrigation to boost production during dry spells.
The President advised families to adopt better succession practices and avoid fragmenting property after the death of a household head, advocating for “structured inheritance by sharing something, other societies have already perfected.”
He further pledged to address regional infrastructure needs, including the Ntutsi–Kashagama–Lyantonde and Lyantonde–Lumbugu–Rakai roads.
“We are moving with wealth creation, and I see change. Let us protect our progress and finish the mission we started together,” he said.
Tributes and commitments
Minister for the Presidency, Babirye Milly Babalanda, described President Museveni as a living hero whose leadership had brought Uganda peace and stability.
“Your Excellency, we thank you for fighting for the freedom of Uganda. You gave up everything to liberate our motherland,” she said, adding, “Today, Uganda is a beacon of stability in the region and a sanctuary to nearly two million refugees.”
Babalanda paid tribute to Kabula’s role in the liberation struggle, describing it as a vital corridor for fighters and supporters alike.
She praised locals who, despite living under fear, provided material and moral support to the cause.
“We cannot celebrate the heroes who served under your command without recognising you,” she said.
“We pray that Uganda remains peaceful, especially as we near the election period. And we pray for your strength and good health, Your Excellency, as you continue guiding this country forward.”
Alice Kaboyo, State Minister for the Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, also honoured Uganda’s fallen patriots and praised the President’s commitment to liberation.
She cited the introduction of the sub-county policing model as a “game-changer” for protecting rural investments and livelihoods, while noting that government initiatives in partnership with the National Enterprise Corporation were already supporting veteran welfare through housing.
Kaboyo also highlighted the impact of recent mass immunisation campaigns and the ministry’s medical outreach during Heroes Day week, which treated over 2,300 patients in the region.
Kigundu Kabandwa, chairperson of civilian Veterans in the Luwero Triangle, hailed Museveni as a national hero and welcomed the choice of Lyantonde as this year’s host district.
He emphasised Lyantonde’s contribution to the National Resistance Movement struggle and praised the professionalism of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), calling it a national asset that must be preserved.
Meanwhile, President Museveni and Maama Janet laid a wreath at a local monument in honour of freedom fighters lost during the NRA war between 1981 and 1986.
Distinguished individuals, including NRA veterans, civil servants and community champions, were recognised for exceptional service.
The event was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga, NRM first national vice chairperson Moses Kigongo, ministers, MPs, diplomats, and religious and cultural leaders.