Defence ministry launches skills training for ex-soldiers and their families

10 May 2025, 10:54 am

By Ronald Sseganonja

The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), through its Directorate of Veteran Affairs (DVA), yesterday launched a skills training and equipping workshop at Maluku District Headquarters, targeting 213 beneficiaries. The participants include military veterans, widows, and their children. Speaking on behalf of the Ministry, Mr. Mabonga Mike, Commissioner for Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Support, and Reintegration, praised the veterans for organising themselves into a SACCO, highlighting that such community-based models provide effective channels for accessing government support. He reaffirmed the directorate’s commitment to ensuring veterans transition smoothly from military to civilian life.

Mabonga highlighted ongoing efforts at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja, where the retirement documentation process is currently underway. He assured the beneficiaries that the Ministry is focused on resettling and rehabilitating veterans, particularly those in vulnerable conditions. He expressed appreciation to the government for enhancing veterans’ retirement packages and reinstating many onto the payroll. He also encouraged veterans facing health challenges to seek care at military health facilities, stressing that critical cases would be referred to the General Military Referral Hospital.

Hon. Mariam Mukhaye, the Woman Member of Parliament for Mbale District, praised the Ministry for responding to her request to initiate the training. She described the programme as timely and aligned with President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of empowering citizens to achieve socioeconomic transformation. However, Hon. Mukhaye cautioned against poor leadership, forming SACCOs merely to access government grants, evading accountability, and lacking a clear strategic direction. “Without addressing these issues, sustainable progress will remain elusive,” she said.

The Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Mbale, Mr. George Wopuwa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting its former servicemen and women. He urged them to maintain the discipline that characterised their military service, noting that such values are essential for SACCO management and successful resettlement. “As the country approaches a politically tense period, veterans should remain vigilant, promote civil-military cooperation, and uphold the image of the UPDF,” Wopuwa added.

During the workshop, participants were trained in SACCO formation, financial management, and conflict resolution—skills intended to strengthen their economic resilience and social integration.