In a meeting with Civilian Veteran Sub-County Chairpersons on October 23, 2025, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, State Minister for Luwero Triangle, confirmed the resumption of delayed Akasiimo payments, assuring all verified beneficiaries will be paid. The discussion focused on key veteran welfare issues, including healthcare and program accountability. Minister Kaboyo reiterated her commitment to direct engagement, dedicating every Thursday to meeting with veterans to address their concerns.

Hon. Kaboyo reiterated that her office remains open to everyone, with every Thursday dedicated to engaging directly with civilian veterans. She further informed the Chairpersons that Akasiimo payments have resumed under a revised framework designed to ensure equitable distribution among all verified beneficiaries.

“The Akasiimo funds for 2024 were paid to verified beneficiaries in Nakaseke, Luwero, and Nakasongola,” she emphasised.
She apologized to the veterans who have not been able to receive medical attention, explaining that this is due to the ministry’s limited budget.

However, she noted that the funds allocated for veterans’ medical care, which are released by the government on a quarterly basis, are not sufficient. She pledged, on behalf of the government, that in the next term under the NRM government, the veterans’ medical budget will be increased.She also dismissed allegations that she had misused government funds allocated to her ministry, clarifying that they have not yet received that money.

Additionally, she informed veterans who have not yet received their Akasiimo that the Ministry of Finance had temporarily paused the process, but has now released the Akasiimo funds for the financial year 2024/2025. The payment process will therefore continue in phases until all beneficiaries have been paid.

She revealed that His Excellency, the President, has committed to equipping Entebbe Grade B Hospital to cater to veterans’ health needs, and that the process is already underway.

“Additionally, we have secured land in Kakiri for the establishment of a dedicated veterans’ hospital, and with support from our partners, we expect to have our own fully functional hospital within two years,” she added.

Hon. Kaboyo encouraged veterans to engage in self-driven development initiatives by forming or joining SACCOs and participating in government programs such as the Parish Development Model (PDM). “Akasiimo is a one-off payment meant to provide a foundation for growth, so when used wisely and complemented by such initiatives, it can transform households and improve veterans’ wellbeing,” she stressed.

She added that beyond financial support, the government has constructed schools and residential houses for some civilian veterans and assisted them with medical care. She encouraged the veterans to form family-based SACCOs to access direct cash support from the government and strengthen their economic independence.However, she cautioned them against selling family land, urging them instead to preserve their legacy by training their children to protect family wealth. She emphasized that by working together and upholding these values, families can inspire others and help build stronger communities.

Similarly, the minister revealed that the government is planning to establish a radio station for veterans, aimed at providing them with a platform to share their experiences with the public as a way of motivating others to stand firm for the good of their country.

In the same vein, the Presidential Advisor on Political Affairs and NRM Civilian Veterans, Hon. Brig. Gen. Jacob Asiimwe, echoed the minister’s remarks, clarifying that no funds have been released since the Akasiimo program was paused. He urged the public to disregard allegations that the minister and her team received the money but failed to deliver it to the beneficiaries.

He further revealed that they have so far taken the Akasiimo process to Luwero, Nakasongola, Nakaseke, Mubende, Mityana, Kiboga, and Kyankwanzi. He encouraged the veterans to discuss and propose the best ways they would like the Akasiimo process to be implemented going forward.

Kabaddwa appreciated the minister for bringing them together but expressed concern that, in most government programs, the elderly are often sidelined despite facing challenges that also need to be addressed. He called upon the government to pay closer attention to issues affecting the elderly.