MUSEVENI ASSURES WAR VETERANS ON GRATUITY

PPU:President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has implored the people of Greater Luwero to embrace all government programs to fight poverty and improve their household incomes.

The President made the remarks today in his statement read by the Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja who represented him as the Chief Guest during the commemoration of the 34th Heroes Day, held at Kasaala Catholic Parish Grounds in Butuntumula Sub County, Luwero District.

President Museveni is currently under self-Isolation at Nakasero State Lodge after testing positive for Covid-19.

This year’s Heroes Day celebrations was held under the theme: “Arise Uganda; our heroes’ sacrifices are now bearing fruits”.

Every 9th June, Uganda marks Heroes Day in commemoration of the heroes who contributed to the liberation struggle that brought the National Resistance Movement (NRM) Government into power in 1986.

Greater Luwero popularly known as the Political Mecca of NRM was the epicenter of the protracted war that lasted for over 5 years.

The President also explained that when NRM came into power, it was able to achieve minimum recovery for the economy that was in shambles, stopped magendo, black market and speculation.

The President highlighted that the NRM government has been at the forefront by providing free social services to the masses but it still has one big challenge of drug theft in health centers.

He appealed to Members of parliament to work with relevant authorities to deal with the issue.

He also disclosed that government will soon embark on a fresh drive with local leaders to ensure that there’s no paying fees in government schools.

He said that there are self seekers who he described as parasites that are ruining the future of learners by undermining both UPE and USE programs thus contributing to school the high rate of school dropout.

The President also watered-down claims that the government has forgotten the people of Luwero when it comes to infrastructural development in the area. He said with oil money, it will be easier to work on the roads in Luwero.

The President also assured the veterans that they are not forgotten and that they will receive their gratuity any time soon, saying that so far government has allocated 230 billion shillings to this cause.

The Minister In charge of Luwero Triangle and Rwenzori Region, Alice Kaboyo praised the gallant heroes who sacrificed and worked hard to make Uganda a better place, everyone is enjoying now.

The Minister also revealed that on the orders of President Museveni, she recently started visiting and interacting with the civilian veterans to ascertain their living conditions and what economic activities they can get involved in to improve their livelihoods.

At the same event, 51 distinguished Ugandans were awarded medals in various categories such as Masaba Star, Nalubaale, National Independence, Personal Sacrifice, Luwero Triangle and Long Service.