Veterans in the Kigezi region have expressed anger at the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces-UPDF, for failing to recognize their contributions during the recently concluded 45th Tarehe Sita anniversary celebrations.
The celebrations, held in Kabale, marked the culmination of a struggle that predates the armed resistance launched on February 6, 1981. The veterans claim that they were tasked with compiling a list of those who participated in both armed and unarmed struggles to ensure their contributions were acknowledged.
According to the veterans, they initially prepared a list of 65 individuals from across the Kigezi region, representing groups such as the Front for National Salvation-FRONASA, the National Resistance Army-NRA, and the Uganda Patriotic Movement-UPM. However, they were instructed to reduce the list to just 16 names, a task they say they willingly completed.
Addressing the media at White Horse Inn in Kabale town on Wednesday, Caleb Turyamutunga, Chairperson of the Greater Kabale Veterans Association, said that despite submitting the list to the UPDF office in charge of awarding medals, none of the veterans were recognized. He said that they were deeply disappointed when medals were only awarded to serving officers from the UPDF, Police, and Prisons.
Turyamutunga emphasized that the veterans, who played a crucial role in restoring peace in the country, now seek a meeting with the President to discuss the way forward. He further questioned why Kigezi lacks a minister in charge of Kigezi affairs, unlike other regions, which has resulted in diminished benefits for people and veterans in the area.
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Former Kabale NRM registrar Maurice Kaitaba, a participant in both FRONASA and UPM, described the treatment of veterans as inhumane. He noted that some veterans even lost their children during the struggle and were bitter about the lack of recognition.
“In the last 45 years, Kabale veterans have rarely been acknowledged or awarded medals,” Kaitaba said. He added that even the list submitted through Maj. Gen. Henry Matsiko Ndarubweine, the National Political Commissar, yielded no results.
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Kabale Resident District Commissioner Maj. Godfrey Katamba, who was also on the list, confirmed that many awards went to active serving personnel. He explained that the medal criteria focused on individuals who joined the NRA before 1985 and participated in bush operations.
Katamba urged veterans to be patient, noting that the award process is ongoing and that some nominees would benefit at other functions. He confirmed that of the 16 names submitted from Kigezi, only one individual has been awarded a medal so far.
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