The President of the Republic of Uganda and Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces, His Excellence Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today rallied Ugandans to utilise the available various government programs to get themselves out of poverty.
This was contained in his Heroes’ day speech that was delivered on his behalf by the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja during the 34th Heroes’ Day Celebrations that were held at Kasaala Catholic Parish grounds, Butuntumula Sub-county, Luweero District. The celebrations were under the theme: “Arise Uganda; Our heroes’ sacrifices are now bearing fruit.”
The President said that on the economic side, said they undertook steps aimed at addressing the post-liberation struggle economic challenges. These included minimum recovery strategies such as tackling smuggling, Forex Black Market, Speculation.
On expansion of the economy, the President’s speech highlighted aspects like the diversification of the economy to produce good products for the market, building a knowledge economy and with more money from the government, embark on pro-people social programs such as health and free education.
In his speech the President further narrated how the support from the late Muammur Gaddafi and Julius Mwalimu Nyerere in terms of rifle weapons and ammunition were a game changer in the 1981-86 liberation war struggle.
On the issue of pension for veterans, the President said that a total of of Uganda Shillings 230Bn has so far been given out
Hon. Alice Kaboyo, the Minister in charge of Luweero Triangle said today we celebrate the extraordinary heroism of many Ugandans who fought hard to dismantle a system that was built on injustice and liberate the country so that the citizens can enjoy their liberties today.
Minister Kabayo tasked Ugandans to consolidate the achievements and bridge the gaps towards human development and socio-economic transformation.
Hajji Edirisa Sedunga, the National Chairman Luwero Triangle Wad Veterans Association urged government to tackle the bottlenecks affecting service delivery. He called for the preservation of historical graveyards pf veterans across the country.
Rt. Hon Robinah Nabbanja earlier on commissioned the construction works for the 29.7-kilometre road from Luwero to Butalangu.
On 9th June 1981, Edidian Luttamaguzi while in his house was besieged by over 1,000 soldier who were on a mission to crack down collaborators of the National Resistance Army fighters. He was dragged out and killed in attempt to make him disclose information about the guerillas.
The 9th of June is also used to remember and honour those who were killed by public execution on the orders of Idi Amin after they were accused if being collaborators of FRONASA. They were Tom Masaba and Namirundu Sabstian killed in Mbale, Nkoko William and Ntale killed in Jinja, Amos Obwona and John Labeja killed in Gulu, Malibo and Phares Kasolo killed in Fort Portal, James Karuhanga aka Muharaabu killed in Mbarara, James Karambuzi and Joseph Bitwali killed in Kabale town.
The celebrations were graced by Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State, Permanent Secretaries, Generals and Service Chiefs from the UPDF and sister agencies, members of the diploma corps, investors from the United Arab Emirates among others.