Tanzanians, Rwandans May Receive War Medals

By Richard Mutumba THE Government is considering awarding medals to Rwandese and Tanzanians for their contribution to the liberation of Uganda. Forty thousand Ugandan military combatants and civilians will also be awarded medals for their outstanding contribution in the liberation struggle of 1981-86. The army spokesman, Lt. Col. Phinehas Katirima, told The New Vision yesterday that 40,000 medals, including 20,000 Luweero Triangle medals for military combatants and 20,000 Nalubale medals for civilians, have been ordered. Katirima said Rwandese who contributed to Uganda's liberation are entitled to medals and if their government accepts, they will be awarded. "How can we thank the Tanzanians for their contribution to the liberation of our country? We think that awarding them with medals would express our appreciation," he said. Katirima was noncommittal on former presidential candidate, Rtd. Lt. Col. Dr. Kizza Besigye. He hinted that people who still have cases to answer, would have to wait. On Saturday, Lt. General Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, awarded medals to 82 people who contributed significantly to the liberation struggle. This was at the Heroes Day celebrations at Kololo Airstrip. "I salute all those who took part in one way or another in the resistance against dictatorship and primitive fascism," Museveni said. Ends