Museveni Reaffirms Support for Veterans, Promises Better Medical Care

President Yoweri Museveni has reaffirmed the government's commitment to supporting veterans and preserving the legacy of Uganda's liberation struggle during the Heroes Day celebrations held at State House, Nakasero.

Addressing veterans, government officials and invited guests on Tuesday, President Museveni said Heroes Day provides an important platform for engaging with those who contributed to Uganda's liberation and national development.

“I am happy to have this day to communicate with you because it helps us coordinate better,” he said.

The President announced that the government has designated Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital to provide specialised medical care for veterans. The move aims to improve access to quality healthcare and reduce reliance on costly private medical facilities.

To preserve the country's liberation history, President Museveni pledged that the government would acquire land in Migadde for the establishment of a museum. He noted that the area holds historical significance because the National Resistance Army (NRA) once operated a camp nearby.

The President also reflected on the origins of Operation Wealth Creation. He revealed that when the programme was launched in 2013, he directed Gen. Caleb Akandwanaho, alias Salim Saleh, to prioritise veterans' families in Luweero with seedlings and agricultural inputs before extending the programme to the wider population.

“We first gave seedlings to veterans' families for nearly two years before reaching out to others,” he said.

President Museveni explained that June 9 was selected as Heroes Day in memory of nine freedom fighters who were killed in Kikandwa Village near Semuto during the liberation struggle, including Ssentongo and Nakingirwa.

“On this day, we honour all those who sacrificed for the freedom and peace that Uganda enjoys today,” he said.

To further improve the welfare of veterans and their families, the President pledged to use government land in Kawuumu for seedling production projects that will benefit veterans and their children. He also promised to create time for direct engagement with veterans to discuss their concerns.

The President expressed gratitude to both civilian and armed veterans who supported and sheltered liberation fighters during the struggle.

“I want to thank all the veterans who guided us, harboured us and joined us in the struggle. Together, we defeated a government that possessed all the weapons,” he said.

Speaking at the same event, the Minister of State in the Office of the Prime Minister for Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Alice Kaboyo, commended President Museveni for restoring peace, security and stability in Uganda.

“We appreciate Your Excellency for your wisdom, leadership and the security you restored in Uganda. We also honour the sacrifices made by you and other gallant sons and daughters of Uganda who liberated the country from poor governance and instability,” she said.

Kaboyo highlighted achievements made by the Ministry of Luweero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, which was established to address socio-economic challenges in war-affected communities. She said the ministry continues to support civilian veterans through reconstruction projects, including the rebuilding of schools destroyed during the war, such as Ngoma Church of Uganda Primary School in Nakaseke District.

The Minister for the Presidency, Milly Babirye Babalanda, paid tribute to civilian heroes whose contributions have positively impacted society. She specifically recognised the late Philly Bongoley Lutaaya and Veone Namaganda for their efforts in combating stigma and saving lives.

She emphasised that heroism extends beyond the battlefield and includes service to humanity.

Quoting former South African President Nelson Mandela, Babalanda said, “It always seems impossible until it's done.”

She noted that this year's theme, “Protecting the Gains of Our Liberation Struggle,” calls upon every Ugandan to become a hero within their sphere of responsibility.

Babalanda also credited government initiatives such as Operation Wealth Creation, the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga and the Presidential Industrial Hubs for improving livelihoods across the country.

“Today we honor the men and women whose courage, sacrifice, and selflessness shaped the Uganda we call home. Peace did not come on a silver plate; it came through sacrifice,” she said.

Representing veterans, Kiggundu Kabandwa of the Veterans Association thanked President Museveni for his leadership and continued support to veterans through the Ministry of Luweero Triangle.

He appealed to the government to intensify the fight against corruption, arguing that the vice undermines service delivery and disproportionately affects vulnerable citizens.

“You find healthy people stealing from the sick,” he said.

Kabandwa also requested an opportunity for veterans to meet the President and discuss strengthening their Savings and Credit Cooperative Organisation (SACCO), the Luweero Triangle Veterans Circle, to improve members' welfare and economic development.

Paying tribute to fallen comrades, he said their sacrifice had yielded lasting gains for the country.

“They killed the body but not the intentions. Our comrades died for peace, and today we have peace. They died for freedom of worship, and today we enjoy that freedom. They died for a stable Uganda, and today we have that stability,” he said.

The function was attended by Vice President Jessica Alupo, Speaker of Parliament Jacob Marksons Oboth, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, representatives of the Uganda Police Force, religious leaders, veterans and other government officials.