Hon. Alice Kaboyo returned to Nakaseke District with a message of dignity, gratitude, and continuity as she commissioned yet another set of homes built for civilian veterans who served during Uganda’s liberation struggle. Her visit marked the unveiling of the eighth home under the Luwero–Rwenzori Programme, a gesture that brought both celebration and renewed calls for the government to continue honoring its commitments to the people who sacrificed so much for the country. For the late Nakabaale Ssempa-Kyerezi’s family, the moment was emotional and fulfilling.

Their new three-bedroom home, complete with a kitchen, store, water tank, solar power, and a two-stance latrine, symbolized more than just shelter, it represented a promise finally honored. The minister praised the UPDF National Enterprise Corporation for building the house with precision, saying the quality, speed, and cost-efficiency demonstrated the government’s push for value-for-money public service delivery.

Local leaders welcomed the development too. Moses Muwanga, the area vice chairperson, said the project showed the government had listened, especially after previously pledging to support the late George Sempa’s family. But he reminded the minister that many veterans still waited for help and sometimes endured humiliation in their communities because people believed their years of sacrifice had not been adequately rewarded. His plea echoed through the gathering: that no veteran should be left behind or forgotten.

Veterans themselves voiced mixed emotions of gratitude and hope for deeper support. Mr. Sempa, the Kapeeka Subcounty Veterans’ Chairman, thanked the minister but also expressed concern over elderly veterans who are struggling with sickness, saying he often uses his own limited resources to help them. He urged the minister to extend the same compassion shown in building houses to covering urgent health needs. For families, the ceremonies carried deep personal meaning. Sam Mugwanya, son of the late Sempa, said seeing the home completed was like hearing his father’s final wish come to life. Yet, he could not hide his concern that his father missed out on the UGX 100 million Kasiimo package that others in the same category had received. His request was simple: that the government review the case so that justice is served fairly across the board.

Hon. Kaboyo later commissioned another house in Namusaale for the family of the late Yoram Kisuze, reinforcing the government’s effort to uplift the welfare of civilian veterans who played a critical role during the 1981–1986 liberation struggle. She once again saluted the veterans for their service, urging families to take good care of their new homes and use them as a foundation for building better livelihoods. She encouraged communities to embrace initiatives like the Parish Development Model and Emyoga, insisting that government programmes can only succeed when people take ownership and work together to fight poverty.

Senior Presidential Advisor Eng. Jacob Asiimwe, who spoke before the minister, urged veterans to remain patient as the ministry processes their compensation packages. He said the sheer volume of cases makes it impossible to handle all at once. But he stirred controversy when he challenged the region not to allow the opposition to take root, claiming this had slowed development because opposition leaders do not directly engage with the President to advocate for their areas. His remarks added a political undertone to an otherwise emotional and developmental event.

Still, the focus remained on honoring the legacy and well-being of veterans. Hon. Kaboyo assured the gathering that the government is committed to addressing their concerns, from housing to health support. She encouraged families to stay united, take care of what has been given to them, and continue striving for self-reliance. She thanked the people of Nakaseke for their unwavering support during and after the liberation struggle, reminding them that unity, productivity, and hard work remain essential if the gains made are to be sustained.

As the ceremonies closed, the newly built homes stood tall symbols of remembrance, gratitude, and a slow but steady fulfillment of the government’s obligations to the men and women who shaped Uganda’s history. The day left Nakaseke not just with new houses, but with a renewed conversation about dignity, justice, and the promise of a better life for those who helped secure the nation’s freedom.