War Veterans in Greater Hoima Voice Concerns Over Government Neglect

Summary:

• In Greater Hoima District, both civilian and military war veterans are expressing dissatisfaction with the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, alleging neglect of their needs and those of their families.

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In Greater Hoima District, both civilian and military war veterans have voiced grievances against the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, alleging neglect of their interests and those of their families.

During a recent inspection trip to various landholdings in Hoima district and Hoima city, we documented the concerns raised by these veterans.

Capt (Rtd) Godfrey Mugisa, chairman of the veterans in Hoima city East Division, emphasized the importance of recognizing the sacrifices made by all war veterans, stressing that many have yet to receive proper acknowledgment or support from the government.

Mugisa, reflecting on his own family’s struggles during the bush war era, lamented the prevalence of unfulfilled promises and the lack of tangible rewards for their service.

“There are numerous veterans who have been left without any recognition, merely surviving on assurances,” Capt (Rtd) Mugisa remarked.

He highlighted a sense of disparity, noting that while other districts have seen benefits, Hoima appears to be overlooked, even as resources are allocated to individuals whose relatives went missing or retired from the armed forces.

Joseph Karugaba, representing the Kulima Kurungi Farmers Civilian War Veterans, echoed these sentiments, urging the government to honor the founding members of the NRM, including the Secret Committee members, who played pivotal roles in its inception.

Karugaba criticized what he perceived as a disregard for historical veterans in favor of newer cadres, citing recent appointments that seemingly bypassed those who contributed during the early stages of the movement.

Colonel (Rtd) Andrew Kaahwa, overseeing Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) in Hoima district, appealed to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni to remember the sacrifices of veterans from Buhanika, Hoima, who joined him during the Luwero struggle.

Kaahwa emphasized the importance of adequately recognizing and supporting families of veterans, suggesting that increasing pension funds could serve as a means of motivation.

Sergeant (Rtd) Peter Bagonza, the Hoima War Veterans Coordinator, called for urgent funding of veterans’ projects, emphasizing the need for income-generating activities such as grain milling and farming machinery.

Bagonza highlighted the veterans’ existing land holdings, underscoring the potential for these assets to support various initiatives, including the construction of a long-awaited technical institute.

Moreover, he stressed the ongoing efforts to secure veterans’ landholdings amidst challenges such as encroachment disputes with the National Forestry Authority and local residents, exemplified by conflicts in areas like Buraru neighboring the Kandanda-Ngobye Central Forest Reserve.