The State Minister for Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, has wrapped up the political mobilization exercise for civilian veterans in Nakasongola with a heartfelt message to the men and women who once stood on the frontlines of Uganda’s liberation. Addressing a gathering of veterans at the Nakasongola District Headquarters, the minister urged them to pass on the values of courage, endurance, and patriotism to their children and grandchildren, reminding them that the freedom the country enjoys today was born out of sacrifice.

The minister expressed concern that many children from veterans’ families have grown detached from the spirit of service and national pride that their parents embodied. She said this generational disconnect threatens to erode the lessons of history and the foundation upon which Uganda’s peace and stability were built. “You have a duty to teach your children why you fought,” she told the veterans. “Let them know that the freedom they enjoy came at a price, and it must be protected by every generation.”

The minister also acknowledged the difficult conditions many veterans now live under, particularly those battling old-age-related illnesses and financial hardships. During her visits across the region, Kaboyo said she had encountered families struggling with medical bills and other basic needs. In response, her ministry has so far extended financial support to 240 veterans, covering treatment and funeral expenses. “We would love to reach every veteran, but our biggest challenge is limited resources,” she noted, emphasizing that the government continues to prioritize veterans’ welfare despite financial constraints.

Hon. Alice Kaboyo reminded the veterans that President Yoweri Museveni has been consistent in his commitment to improving their living conditions. She recalled that during last year’s Heroes Day celebrations in Lyantonde, the President pledged to upgrade Entebbe Grade B Hospital to specifically cater to veterans’ healthcare needs. “We are following up on this pledge, and I can assure you it is being implemented,” she said. She also reaffirmed that the government remains committed to ensuring that every veteran receives their pending Kasiimo payments, despite delays caused by administrative reviews and budget limitations.

The minister explained that the Kasiimo program, which provides financial support to veterans, had been temporarily suspended two financial years ago due to widespread concerns and complaints about its management. However, before the suspension, some funds had already been deposited in Centenary Bank and used to pay 1,632 beneficiaries from Luwero, Nakasongola, and Nakaseke. She further revealed that an additional 6.1 billion shillings had been approved for 2,462 more beneficiaries in Kassanda, Mityana, Kyankwanzi, and Kiboga districts, with disbursement expected to be completed soon. Kaboyo added that the Ministry of Finance has since allocated more funds, meaning payments will continue this month to reach even more veterans.

Highlighting the achievements of her office since assuming leadership in 2021, Kaboyo listed several interventions aimed at improving the welfare of veterans and their communities. These include supporting the construction of schools destroyed during the liberation war, donating iron sheets and hoes to families, backing small-scale income-generating projects, and ensuring the continuity of the Akasiimo payments. She stressed that while not all veterans have benefited yet, these ongoing efforts show that the government has not forgotten its heroes. “Every step we take brings us closer to the goal of reaching all veterans. No one will be left behind,” she promised.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Public Service, Hon. Muruuli Mukasa, who also attended the gathering, urged Ugandans to look beyond tribal lines when choosing leaders. He called on citizens to focus on electing individuals capable of advancing national unity and development. “We must vote for leaders who think of Uganda as one family, not those who divide us for personal gain,” he said. Mukasa also dispelled rumors circulating about the government’s alleged plans to evict people from their land to build a nuclear plant. He reassured the public that such claims are false and contrary to Uganda’s laws on land and compensation. “The government cannot and will not simply chase people away. If there’s ever a need for relocation due to a national project, proper compensation will always be given,” he emphasized.

As the mobilization exercise came to a close, Minister Kaboyo’s message lingered — one of gratitude, renewal, and responsibility. For her, the struggle for Uganda’s progress is not confined to the past battlefields but continues in the hearts and homes of those who carry the legacy of sacrifice. Her call to action was clear: veterans must keep the liberation spirit alive by passing it on, ensuring that future generations understand the true meaning of patriotism and the price of freedom.