By: Doreen Nasasira
BUNYANGABU
The Minister of State for Luwero- Rwenzori Triangle has called for harmony among the Civilian Veterans and the District leaders of Bunyangabu District.
She said the District Officials ought to guide and support the veterans in the area while the veterans instruct the young generation to make decisions that are focused on peacebuilding and propelling the country forward.
“As the District officials, you are the technical people who are supposed to support the veterans and provide them with information that is necessary for the smooth operation of their projects. The Veterans also need to guide the young generation to ensure that peace and harmony exist in the country. These young people have never witnessed any war, so in case they decide to cause insecurity, the veterans would be to blame,” Minister Kaboyo said.
The Minister made the remarks while meeting the Civilian Veterans and the District Officials of Bunyangabu District at the District headquarters on 13th January 2022.
She thanked the veterans for supporting the NRM and said the ministry of Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle is currently undertaking stock to document all the facility structures that were destroyed during the NRA war so that they can be refurbished. She pledged to continue supporting the veterans.
“Our office has been supporting veterans, women and the youth. Where there is an issue, we will be here to guide you,” Hon. Kaboyo said.
State Minister in charge of Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle addressing Civilian Veterans in Bunyangabu District
The Minister asked the veterans to embrace government programmes such as the Parish Development Model and to engage in income-generating activities so that they can improve their welfare.
“The President is passionate about improving the welfare of the veterans and has therefore asked you to form SACCOs that will enable you to benefit from the government initiatives and funding. It is much easier to support the veterans through such SACCOs,” Minister Kaboyo said.
The Special Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs, Brig. Gen. Jacob Asiimwe asked the veterans to ensure that they register to benefit from the compensation programme commonly known as “Akasimo”.
The Minister of State for Gender and Culture, and also the woman member of Parliament for Bunyangabu District, Hon. Peace Mutuuzo noted the need to consolidate the support of the NRM in the district by solving conflicts harmoniously between the district leadership and the civilian veterans.
“The veterans are historical and a pillar of the NRM foundation in this district. We need to lobby support for the Veterans in the district to ensure that their projects are successful and their welfare is improved. To avoid conflict, issues should be discussed and resolved harmoniously,” Hon. Mutuuzo said.
She cited that lack of regular meetings and effective communication had escalated the conflict between the Civilian Veterans and the District officials.
The Chairperson of Bunyangabu District, James Ategeka Rugarama, highlighted three major issues causing conflict between the District leadership and the civilian veterans. The issues are; lack of clear procedures regarding how the funds from the supplementary budget will be utilized by the veterans; illegal land acquisition by the veterans and failure to adhere to the District’s physical plan for permanent structures by the veterans. However, he called for teamwork and harmony for the development of the District.
On the other hand, the Chairman of Civilian Veterans Association of Bunyangabu District, Fenehasi Bwambale, alleged that the District Officials engage in acts of impunity and have no respect for the rule of law. He also noted that the veterans are discriminated against due to their old age which has hindered them from benefitting from the different government initiatives within the District.
Bwambale also accused some of the District leaders of not supporting the government and its programmes. End
