By Nasser Kayanja
The government is considering the establishment of a special support fund for civilian war veterans in the Greater Luwero region, aimed at improving their livelihoods and recognizing the role they played during Uganda’s 1980–1986 bush war.
The proposal was presented during the introduction of the Greater Luwero Historical Civilian Veterans Taskforce to stakeholders at Matembe Kamira in Luwero District, at the headquarters of the Prince Kimbugwe Foundation. The taskforce is chaired by former Minister of Public Service Wilson Muluuli Mukasa.
Addressing participants, Muluuli said the initiative was born out of discussions with Brig. Gen. Jacob Asiimwe, who, together with him, briefed Presidential Adviser Gen. (Rtd) Salim Saleh on the challenges facing civilian war veterans in the region.
According to Muluuli, although several government poverty alleviation programmes have been rolled out over the years, many civilian veterans have not benefited significantly. He noted that some continue to live in poverty, leading to frustration among sections of the community.
He said the proposed fund would focus on improving household incomes through economic empowerment while also supporting access to healthcare, education, and modern agricultural programmes as a way of acknowledging the veterans’ contribution during the liberation struggle.
Taskforce member and former Bundibugyo Resident District Commissioner Samuel Kazinga said beneficiaries would receive financial and technical support based on their individual socio-economic needs. He explained that priority would be given to projects in agriculture, education, and health to help improve livelihoods.
Kazinga also appealed to civilian veterans to remain patient and work with the government as efforts to implement the initiative continue.
Meanwhile, Prince Edward Kimbugwe, Executive Director of the Prince Kimbugwe Foundation and an adviser to the taskforce, showcased modern agricultural technologies designed to promote value addition and establish cottage industries that could provide sustainable sources of income for beneficiaries.
The proposed initiative is intended to improve the welfare of civilian war veterans while promoting long-term economic empowerment across the Greater Luwero region.