Kiyonga tips on ex-soldier update

May 27, 2010

THE minister of defence, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, has advised the army officers conducting the registration of former servicemen and their survivors to include the account number and amount of money to be paid to each.

By Chris Ocowun

THE minister of defence, Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, has advised the army officers conducting the registration of former servicemen and their survivors to include the account number and amount of money to be paid to each.

He said the former soldiers will be paid according to their rank and period of service. Privates will get about sh1.5m, he added.

Kiyonga, who was inspecting the ongoing registration at Pece Stadium in Gulu on Wednesday, was overwhelmed by the big turn-up.

The minister said sh34b is earmarked to pay gratuity and pension of about 20,000 NRA/UPDF veterans or the relatives of those who died, beginning July.

He noted that the veterans took the Government to court demanding payment. Although they lost the case, the President agreed to pay them.

Kiyonga also advised the soldiers’ widows to form an association through which they can be assisted.

According to the head of the registration team, Lt. Col. Francis Ongia, Gulu district has registered the biggest number of former servicemen in the 10 districts of West Nile and Acholi sub-regions.

He explained that each district was to be covered in two days but due to the large turn-up, the exercise will end today. It started on Saturday.

Ongia said about 17,402 veterans and beneficiaries were registered in the six districts of West Nile.

He added that Alfred Ocen was arrested after they learnt that he was taking his late brother’s money but was not helping the orphans and widow.

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