UPDF wives miss govt funds

Mar 31, 2009

Wives of UPDF soldiers in the Armoured Brigade at Kasijagirwa in Masaka municipality have complained that they are being sidelined from development programmes geared at fighting poverty.

By Dismus Buregyeya

Wives of UPDF soldiers in the Armoured Brigade at Kasijagirwa in Masaka municipality have complained that they are being sidelined from development programmes geared at fighting poverty.

Their leader, Jane Ocharia, raised the concern during the Women’s Day celebrations on Saturday in Kasijagirwa. Masaka Woman MP Hajat Sauda Namagwa, who presided over the function, said: “The wives of our soldiers are entitled to development programmes because they are part of the community. Fortunately, our LC3 chairman, Hajji Ali Matovu, is here let him explain.”

Matovu said the division received conflicting views on how to extend development programmes to the barracks. “Sometime back, we wanted to construct a toilet for the UPDF barracks, but the office of the resident district commissioner questioned us on the matter. The local governments are not clear on how to deal with residents of the army barracks,” he said.

Matovu, however, said they would consider the women staying in the barracks in the next financial year. Acting Brigade commanding officer Maj. Moagon Mpeka said: “These women are important. They look after our families when we go for national dut. They should be supported.”

Namagwa commended the Brigade for the discipline and cooperation with the leadership and residents of Masaka. She also promised to support the women living in the barracks.

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