President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised veterans of the 1981–1986 liberation struggle for their role in transforming Uganda and called for an audit of UGX 231 billion allocated to support veterans’ wealth creation programs.

Paying tribute to those who participated in the bush war during the 37th Heroes’ Day celebrations at State Lodge Nakasero, Museveni said both armed and civilian veterans played a crucial role in defeating a better-equipped government force and changing the country’s course.

“Therefore, I want to thank the civilian and armed veterans who joined us to achieve this, to defeat an army of the government which had all the weapons,” Museveni said.

Museveni said the liberation war was launched to rescue Uganda from poor governance, insecurity, and economic collapse, arguing that the country’s progress today reflects the sacrifices made during the struggle.

“The democracy, security and economy of Uganda had collapsed because of the mistakes of past leaders,” he noted.

The President directed veteran leaders to account for UGX 231 billion disbursed over the years under a 2009 arrangement that provided financial support to liberation war leaders, their spouses, and support cadres.

“We are going to have a meeting to find out what happened to that money,” Museveni stated.

He also called for reforms in veterans’ SACCOs to improve government support and announced plans to provide seedlings from presidential farms to veterans and their children to boost household incomes.

“I will now use Kawumu, Gomba, Ngoma to supply seedlings to veterans and their children,” President Museveni highlighted.

Museveni further revealed government plans to acquire 60 acres of land at Migadde to establish a liberation war museum and directed faster access to treatment for veterans at Entebbe Grade B Hospital.

Vice President Jessica Alupo credited Uganda’s heroes for the peace and stability that have supported economic growth and national development.

“It is due to their sacrifices that we are now enjoying those benefits,” she said.

State Minister for Luweero Triangle Affairs Alice Kaboyo commended veterans for their sacrifice and contribution to restoring political, social, and economic stability in Uganda, saying the country’s progress was built on the efforts of those who fought for change.

Representing the Luweero War Veterans Association, Kigundu Kabandwa thanked Museveni and fellow bush war fighters for liberating Uganda and transforming the NRA into a national army, while also praising the President’s leadership over the past four decades.

Government officials and veterans’ representatives used the occasion to commend the contribution of liberation war veterans and reaffirm the importance of preserving their legacy.

The event was attended by Speaker of Parliament Jacob Oboth-Oboth, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, Chief Justice Flavian Zeija, and other senior government officials and dignitaries.