VP Alupo rallies the public to support Children of Soldiers

BY: DOREEN NASASIRA

The Vice President, Her Excellency Jessica Alupo has called upon the community to always render support to the children of soldiers, noting that some of the soldiers have not only offered their services to protect the country but have also lost their lives while on duty.

“I invite everybody to always render support to the children of our soldiers especially the children of our fallen men and women in uniform. Their offsprings should and need not be forgotten by the community they were serving,” the Vice President said.

The Vice President made the remarks in her speech which was delivered by the Minister of State for Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle, Hon. Alice Kaboyo at the 4^th Annual Reunion of the Child of a Soldier Network (Mtoto wa Jeshi), which took place at Botanical Gardens Entebbe on 4^th December 2021.

The Vice President highlighted some of the needs of the children of soldiers and these include; the right to love and care, the right to adequate health and good food, the right to play, the right to associate with others and to express their own opinions, the right to special care if they do not have a natural family and the right to special care if they are disabled among others.

She also commended the association for engaging in several community outreach programs and pledged to continue supporting it. She contributed ugx 5 million towards the activities of Mtoto wa Jeshi.

On behalf of the Vice President, the Minister of State for Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle, Hon. Alice Kaboyo pledged to donate a tractor to the association so that it can engage in modernised agriculture.

The Minister also asked the different associations affiliated with children of soldiers to form a federation where they can all belong so that they can easily be accessible.

The Chair Person of Mtoto wa Jeshi, Job Onen called upon the government to support children of soldiers to attain social services such as education and also provide them with employment opportunities among other needs.

He also requested the government to consider increasing funds allocated to the budget of the Veterans and Family Affairs’ docket so that it can ably support the children of soldiers.

The Function was also attended by the Deputy Mayor of Division A Entebbe Municipality, Hon. Baguma and Security officers. End.