Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs
It also highlighted the achievements as Uganda tomorrow celebrates 37 years of liberation from where former NRA rebels gave their anger and greed to the rulers of the country with the main ceremony in Kakumiro District
Speaking to journalists in mbuya, Minister of State for Defense in charge of Veterans Affairs Hon: Huda oleru Abson said Uganda should respect veterans because they bring the freedom we enjoy.
“Hajjat Huda Oleru told the ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs Act will be amended to include veterans’ issues and the amendment will be tabled in parliament without the cabinet’s approval of veterans’ issues.
The pensions of the veterans were being paid by the Government in the amount of ugx5,215,007,742 which will be paid in December
The Minister told reporters that they have been able to set up 68 Saccos to lift the veterans out of poverty and that each Sacco was given skills by teaching them various things so that they can start their own businesses and finance.
He also said they have set up a program to rehabilitate and help veterans from old age life to a better and happier life.
They have also set up a military team dedicated to helping veterans with court cases so that they can get relief in court and the minister said they have been able to win cases in 828 courts with Aligal Aid clinic defending veterans.
Hajjat Huda Oleru said they have set up a scheme to help the veterans who have been disabled in the war and the Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs will help them to return to their villages.
The ministry has also set up shelters for those who suffer from war problems such as mental disabilities.
Meanwhile, Minister Huda Oleru said there are 25,000 veterans on the government’s books and they are going to investigate the number of 7,900 veterans but they are finding that there are fewer veterans left.
The Ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs needs Ugx 91 billion to pay the veterans but the Ministry of Finance wants to provide it which results in the veterans not getting pensions.
And that the ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs annually releases ugx5 billion to pay the veterans of the war that brought the government president museveni in trouble.
By Dan mugula