Gov’t kicks off handover of new houses to civilian veteran families

This was the first of the homes that the Ministry of Luwero-Rwenzori Triangle is constructing for surviving family members of civilian veterans from the 1980s liberation war.

Luttamaguzi, Kikandwa village’s former village chairperson, acted as an undercover spy for the National Resistance Army (NRA), involved in both intelligence work and recruiting locals for the rebellion.

Betrayed by fellow villagers, he was tragically massacred alongside two dozen others by government forces on a betrayal tip-off.

The house was handed to his youngest surviving son, Sam Luttamaguzi, in a ceremony attended by local leaders and UPDF representatives. Three other houses are ready for beneficiaries in Budaka, Mukono, and Wakiso, with a fifth under construction in Mbarara.

Minister Kaboyo urged Sam Luttamaguzi to care for the house and engage in government programs to uplift his family from poverty, emphasizing commercial farming and participation in initiatives like PDM.

She cautioned against dividing the land provided by President Museveni, intending to establish future agricultural projects for the family.

Construction by UPDF’s National Enterprise Corporation took three months. Eng Brian Buhanda, representing Gen James Mugira, called for continued consideration of their efficiency in such projects by the Office of the Prime Minister and other government bodies.

Maj John Kaddu, speaking for Luttamaguzi’s family, thanked the government and urged NRA veterans and NRM supporters to safeguard the party's image.

However, he lamented Nakaseke's poor infrastructure, citing a mere 7 km of good tarmac roads. In response, Rosemary Byabasaija Amooti vowed to utilize government funds to improve some of the district's roads.

Minister Kaboyo assured veterans about the imminent resumption of the “akasiimo” money halted by President Yoweri, pending discussions with the verification committee for its prompt disbursement.