President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has vowed to investigate the alleged mismanagement of Shs 218 billion earmarked for veterans and supporters of the National Resistance Army (NRA) who participated in the 1981–1986 Bush War.
Speaking during Heroes’ Day commemorations held in Kaliro Town Council, Lyantonde District, President Museveni expressed disappointment that only 8,000 out of an estimated 40,000 intended beneficiaries have received compensation.
The funds were allocated to provide Shs 5 million to NRA leaders and fighters, and Shs 1 million to civilian supporters and contact groups who played pivotal roles in the guerrilla war that ushered in the National Resistance Movement (NRM) government in 1986.
“The money disbursed was sufficient to cover all 40,000 leaders and supporters,” Museveni said.
“I am shocked to learn that many have not received their entitlements. I will personally follow up on where the money is getting stuck or lost. This time, we must close all loopholes to ensure justice for our heroes.”
The NRA Bush War, also known as the Luwero War, was fought primarily in the Luwero Triangle—covering the districts of Luwero, Nakaseke, and Nakasongola—and culminated in the NRA’s capture of Kampala in January 1986.
The contributions and sacrifices of fighters and civilian supporters, many of whom lost their lives or homes, were instrumental in ending years of political instability in Uganda.
In addition to addressing the misallocation of funds, President Museveni announced plans to establish a Benevolent Fund aimed at supporting NRA veterans and their families.
He directed the Ministry for the Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle, under Minister of State Alice Kaboyo, to prioritize housing initiatives for the families of NRA leaders and supporters.
“We must honor those who sacrificed for this nation by ensuring their families have decent homes,” Museveni emphasized. “The Ministry must think strategically about housing and other welfare programs for these heroes.”
The President’s remarks come on the heels of recent efforts by the Ministry to support veterans and their communities.
On May 30, 2025, the Ministry organized interdenominational memorial prayers in Lyantonde, along with a free medical camp that served 1,783 people, offering services including eye care, dental treatment, and cervical cancer screening.
Museveni’s renewed commitment to transparency and accountability in veteran affairs has brought hope to affected families, though it also highlights persistent challenges in the delivery of government support.
Reaffirming the importance of the Luwero Triangle—often referred to as the “Mecca and Rome of the NRM”—he called on local leaders to collaborate with the government in addressing systemic inefficiencies.
As Uganda marks Heroes’ Day, the President’s pledge to investigate the misallocation of veterans’ funds and improve living conditions for NRA supporters underscores a broader push to ensure that those who contributed to the country’s liberation are honored not only in word, but indeed.
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