State Minister for Veterans Affairs, Huda Abason Oleru, recently revealed a comprehensive plan aimed at enhancing the welfare and integration of military veterans within the country.
Speaking at the Uganda Media Center in Kampala, Minister Oleru highlighted the initiatives undertaken by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs to address the challenges faced by military veterans during their transition to civilian life.
Minister Oleru began by underscoring the significance of acknowledging and appreciating the sacrifices made by military veterans in fostering peace and stability within the country. She expressed gratitude to the commander-in-chief, President Yoweri Museveni, and all armed forces, including gallant soldiers and military veterans who played pivotal roles in maintaining peace.
The minister then provided a comprehensive overview of the initiatives implemented by the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, which include:
Legal Aid Clinic: The establishment of a legal aid clinic to assist veterans with diverse legal issues, such as land disputes and other legal challenges. Minister Oleru reported that the clinic has successfully handled 350 cases within a year, offering crucial support to veterans facing legal troubles.
Home-Based Outreach Program: Recognizing the challenges faced by veterans in their villages, a home-based outreach program has been initiated to reach out to vulnerable, sickly, and isolated veterans for rehabilitation and medical support. The program has already assisted 171 individuals in need.
Public Information Campaigns and Outreach: Actively engaging with veterans through public information campaigns and a weekly interactive radio program on Star FM. This program aims to inform veterans about available support, mobilize them, and promote economic transformation and mindset change.
Peer Education Program: Introducing a peer education program to address the issue of veterans isolating themselves, providing psychosocial support, behavioral change, and peer-to-peer support. Four districts have already begun participating in this program.
Transition Assistance Programs: Working on transition assistance programs, including employment opportunities, vocational training, and health and mental wellness support, to help veterans settle into civilian life.
Minister Oleru underscored the importance of recognizing military veterans as a special interest group in all national government programs, given their unique challenges and vulnerabilities post-active service. She called upon citizens and stakeholders to lend support to the outlined strategies for the welfare and integration of military veterans.
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