President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has ordered a review of more than Shs231 billion spent on Akasiimo payments for veterans since the 2008/09 financial year, saying he wants to assess the impact of the funds and determine whether they have benefited the intended recipients.
Museveni made the remarks during this year’s Heroes Day celebrations, where he paid tribute to veterans and civilians who participated in Uganda’s liberation struggle.
Museveni said government records show that over Shs231 billion has been sent to support veterans through the Akasiimo programme over the years.
However, he expressed concern that the situation on the ground does not appear to reflect the level of funding that has been released.
“Since the 2008/09 financial year, over UGX 231 billion has been spent on Akasiimo for veterans. I need a meeting with their committee to assess the progress made and discuss the way forward,” Museveni said.
President indicated that he wants a detailed review involving veterans’ representatives to establish how the funds were utilized and what impact they have had on beneficiaries.
In his Heroes Day message, Museveni reflected on the sacrifices made by Ugandans during the liberation struggle, particularly those who lost their lives during the conflict in the Luweero Triangle.
“The 9th of June 1981 was chosen to represent the hundreds of thousands who were killed, especially in the Luweero Triangle,” he said.
Museveni noted that after the war, skulls were collected from dozens of communal graves as a reminder of the atrocities committed during that period.
He said the liberation struggle was aimed at restoring democracy, improving security, rebuilding the economy, and returning the country to stability after years of political turmoil.
Museveni also raised concerns about the cost of treating veterans, revealing that many receive medical care in private hospitals, which he described as expensive for the government.
“When veterans are sick, I treat them, but I treat them in private hospitals; it is too much money,” the President said.
He added that he had previously proposed using Entebbe Regional Referral Hospital to provide treatment for veterans but acknowledged that the plan had not been fully implemented.
“I should follow it up so that we stop squandering money,” he said.
While honoring veterans for their role in Uganda’s history, Museveni said the country’s current challenge is economic transformation and ensuring that more households participate in the money economy.
He thanked both civilian and military veterans for their contribution to Uganda’s stability and development, while also recognizing the families of those who died during the struggle.
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