By Buwule Joseph Mary
KOLOLO, KAMPALA — Vice President Jessica Alupo has urged children of members of Uganda’s armed forces to embrace government wealth creation programmes as a pathway to prosperity and socio-economic transformation.
Alupo encouraged the youth to actively participate in initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, the Youth Livelihood Fund, and Presidential Skilling Hubs, noting that these programmes are designed to empower households to generate sustainable income.She explained that when every household engages in income-generating activities, Uganda can achieve one of the National Resistance Movement government’s core goals of socio-economic transformation.
The Vice President made the remarks while representing President Yoweri Museveni at a thanksgiving ceremony organised by children of personnel serving in the Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces. The event was held to celebrate the NRM’s victory in the January general elections.
The ceremony marked a historic milestone—the first time in Uganda’s history that children of fallen heroes, veterans, and serving armed forces personnel have convened on a single national platform to give thanks, affirm loyalty, and express their commitment to national service.
Alupo thanked God for the peaceful elections and the NRM’s victory.“The campaigns and elections were very peaceful, and God granted the NRM a massive victory across the country. It is therefore fitting to thank God for keeping Uganda on the path of stability, prosperity, and development under the visionary leadership of the NRM,” she said.She reminded the children that the NRM fought for democracy to ensure citizens have the power to choose their leaders in a peaceful and just manner.“It is the people who choose who governs them, from the local to national levels.
This explains why Uganda has remained stable and strong,” she added.Alupo noted that the dividends of peace and stability are reflected in increased agricultural and industrial production.“Shops and markets across the country are full. Uganda is now a land of surplus in maize, sugar, milk, bananas, and eggs,” she said.
However, she acknowledged that about 33 percent of households remain outside the money economy.
She emphasized that government programmes such as PDM, Emyooga, and other targeted funds offer a clear pathway for economic inclusion.The Vice President also highlighted improvements in infrastructure—including roads, electricity, and ICT—which she said are critical in attracting investment and lowering the cost of doing business.
“Development alone is not enough, though it must come first. It must translate into jobs and wealth for families in order to be meaningful,” she stressed.Winnie Lokech, President of the United Children of the Armed Forces Network (UCAFNET), described the gathering as a sign of a generation coming of age—one shaped by sacrifice, discipline, and patriotism.
“This reflects a deliberate transition from remembrance to responsibility, and from inheritance of sacrifice to stewardship of peace,” she said.
Lokech noted that UCAFNET represents over 130,000 children of fallen heroes, veterans, and serving personnel. She made several appeals to the President, including prioritising children of armed forces in industrial hubs and skilling programmes.
She also called for the establishment of a Presidential Scholarship and Education Endowment Fund, strengthening of UCAFNET SACCOs through Wazalendo to support youth entrepreneurship, and the creation of a Directorate for the Affairs of Children of the Armed Forces within the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.
Additionally, she advocated for structured pathways into national service and greater inclusion of these children in civic leadership and democratic participation.“Peace must not only be defended by arms, but also by informed governance,” Lokech said.