Kyegegwa veterans unveil own anti-corruption task force

During a meeting with the civilian veterans and local leaders on Wednesday, Lt. Wilson Byaboona, the veterans' chairman, presented a plan to form an anti-corruption unit.

“We fought for this country to establish sanity and eliminate bad governance, but it is unfortunate that highhanded corruption remains a serious disease within the NRM system,” Byaboona stated.

“Therefore, we request through you, to be allowed as CWVs to form an anti-corruption unit to fight this problem.”

Minister Kaboyo expressed her strong support for this initiative, acknowledging the veterans' unique position and capability to tackle corruption.

“We know that you have the ability because you know the original NRM goals and you have structures,” she said.

“I think that even the president will be happy about you setting up a committee to fight corruption. This is the modern war we are fighting today. This is what endangers the image of your government. If you are starting this, the government will be behind you,” reassured the minister.

The Minister emphasized that the fight against corruption is essential for the overall development and governance of the area. Kaboyo pointed out that combating corruption is a collective responsibility that requires vigilance and dedication from all sectors of society.

In addition to the anti-corruption efforts, Minister Kaboyo encouraged the veterans to take advantage of various government programs designed to improve their livelihoods. She highlighted the one-off gratuity (akasiimo) funds for civilian veterans and other initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Programme (YLP), and Social Assistance Grants for Empowerment (SAGE).

“There is so much money coming to your communities that if it is well utilized, you cannot fail to develop,” Kaboyo said. “If you take the Shs 1 million from PDM and 5M for Akasiimo and other programs, put it to good use, you will transform yourselves.”

Hon Kaboyo with the Kyegegwa civilian veterans pulse uganda

Read: Gov’t finally releases Shs. 3 Billion ‘Akasiimo’ funds for civilian veterans

Brig. Jacob Asiimwe, the Chairman of the Veterans, echoed the Minister's sentiments, urging veterans to embrace these programs rather than focusing solely on the akasiimo gratuity. He clarified that only those who participated in the 1980s war are eligible for the gratuity, but encouraged others to benefit from the different development initiatives available.

Hon. Tom Bright Amooti, the area Member of Parliament, praised the government and the Luwero-Rwenzori Ministry for their efforts to improve veterans' welfare. He stressed that the combined impact of akasiimo funds and other development programs could significantly transform the district.

Meanwhile, Kyegegwa Resident District Commissioner (RDC), Monica Karungi, commended the local civilian veterans for their support, particularly in resolving land disputes through mediation rather than court battles. Their efforts have been instrumental in fostering peaceful resolutions and maintaining order in the district.