President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered an immediate investigation into the alleged misappropriation of compensation funds meant for Luwero veterans and their families, vowing to hold accountable all those found guilty of mismanaging the money.
While presiding over the 2025 National Heroes’ Day celebrations at Kaliiro Town Council in Lyantonde District, the President expressed shock that many of the NRM war veterans including their local leaders have not received their compensation, nearly two decades after an agreement was reached between the government and the veterans.
“In 2008, we agreed to give UGX 5 million to each of the leaders who mobilized and supported our struggle, and UGX 1 million for other supporters at the village level,” Museveni recalled. “But I am surprised to hear that many of these people have never received a single coin. This is unacceptable.”
In a dramatic moment, President Museveni demanded answers from the Minister for Luwero Triangle, Hon. Alice Kaboyo, asking her to publicly account for the funds allocated to her ministry since its formation.
“Minister, how much money has your ministry received so far for this compensation?” the President asked, prompting a response from Kaboyo that government has so far spent UGX 218 billion on veteran compensation.
But the President was far from satisfied.
“If the 218 billion shillings was well utilized, all the 87,000 veterans would be compensated by now. So where did the money go?” Museveni asked, drawing loud applause from the audience of veterans and residents.
During the celebrations, a recorded byte of one of the veterans’ representatives was played, revealing the depth of frustration among the affected families: “We never got any money. Please consider us , we have the necessary documentation.”
The emotional appeal further pushed the President to promise closer supervision of the compensation process and to ensure that the remaining unpaid heroes including those who served in the armed forces and national service are finally recognized and paid their dues.
Museveni reaffirmed his deep respect for the fighters who helped bring the NRM government to power in the 1980s, stressing that compensating them is not charity, but a patriotic duty of gratitude.
“We are going to give a thank you of UGX 5 million to those who were leaders in the resistance. This is not new. What’s shocking is that some of you are telling me the conversation is unknown to you. That means someone has messed up.”
President Museveni assured the veterans and the country that his office would follow up on the matter urgently, including an audit of the 218 billion shillings and punishment of those responsible for any misuse.
“I will not tolerate any form of corruption when it comes to our heroes. These people sacrificed everything. Whoever has been eating this money will vomit it,” the President warned.
The Heroes Day celebrations were marked with military honours, cultural performances, and an award ceremony to recognize outstanding Ugandans. But the spotlight remained on the plight of the unpaid veterans, a symbol of unfinished business in the legacy of the liberation struggle.