Museveni orders review of veterans’ funds as Uganda marks 37th Heroes Day

10 June 2026, 11:09 am

By Ronald Ssemagonja

Uganda marked the 37th Heroes Day celebrations at State Lodge, Nakasero, Kampala, under the theme, “Protecting the Gains as We Make a Qualitative Leap into High Middle-Income Status.”

The event attracted selected dignitaries, including government officials, veterans, religious leaders, and other invited guests.

Addressing the nation, President Yoweri Museveni paid tribute to the civilians and veterans who participated in the liberation struggle between 1981 and 1986, crediting them for contributing to Uganda’s stability and development.

The President also revealed that the government plans to acquire land for the establishment of a Liberation War Museum to preserve the history of Uganda’s liberation struggle for future generations.

“I want to thank the civilians and veterans who joined us in achieving this victory; defeating a government army that possessed all the weapons. I also salute those who are no longer with us and extend my appreciation to their families,” Museveni said.

The President further ordered a comprehensive review of Shs231 billion allocated to war veterans, demanding accountability for funds intended to improve the welfare of former fighters and their families.

“We shall meet and discuss where the Shs231 billion went, and establish whether there is any family that did not benefit,” Museveni said.

He added that government would also assess how veterans utilized gratuity payments totaling Shs130 billion and whether the funds had improved their livelihoods.

“We are going to evaluate the Shs130 billion that was paid out. If you received your gratuity, what did you do with it? Even if some veterans have passed on, their children are here and can provide information,” he said.

Museveni emphasized that government programmes should lead to tangible improvements in the lives of beneficiaries, noting that he did not want to see veterans and their families living in poverty.

The President also addressed concerns regarding healthcare services for veterans. While defending the government’s decision to encourage veterans to seek treatment at public health facilities as a cost-saving measure, he pledged to investigate complaints about the quality of services offered.

“It is true that I encouraged veterans to seek treatment at Entebbe Grade B Hospital. Previously, some were receiving treatment in Nakasero, but the costs were high. We need to manage expenditure while ensuring quality healthcare,” Museveni said.

Earlier, the Minister for the Luwero-Rwenzori Development Programme, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, highlighted challenges facing veterans, including inadequate housing and delays in the payment of gratuities.

Kaboyo noted that the government had received verified lists of former combatants from various groups and appealed for additional resources to facilitate the settlement of outstanding benefits.

Among the dignitaries who attended the celebrations were Vice President Maj. (Rtd) Jessica Alupo, Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Jacob Oboth Oboth, religious leaders, and other government officials.