Museveni orders probe into Shs231b veterans' token of appreciation

President Museveni

President Museveni ordered a comprehensive investigation into the management and distribution of Shs231 billion earmarked as Akasiimo (ex-gratia gratuity) for military veterans.

Speaking from State Lodge Nakasero during the Heroes’ Day celebrations, Mr Museveni said the money was explicitly approved as a token of appreciation for veterans of the National Resistance Army (NRA) and other frontline struggles that ushered the current government into power in 1986.

While the treasury had dutifully disbursed the funds over consecutive financial cycles, President Museveni noted that the reality on the ground failed to match the ledger. Thousands of genuine, aging veterans continue to languish without their rightful packages.

The national celebrations, themed around honoring the sacrifices of Uganda’s liberation fighters, quickly pivoted into a high-stakes call for accountability. Addressing a televised audience and a select group of state officials, the President expressed deep disappointment over persistent reports of corruption, "ghost" beneficiaries, and bureaucratic bottlenecks within the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs.

"The money was released to ensure our veterans live a life of dignity, not to enrich a few individuals in offices," Museveni stated firmly. "We are going to probe this entire allocation. Where did it go?”

The President emphasized that the Akasiimo is a sacred obligation to those who shed blood for the peace and stability Uganda enjoys today. To ensure justice, officials who attended the event said the State House Anti-Corruption Unit, alongside specialized intelligence agencies, has been tasked with auditing payrolls and tracking the disbursement trail down to regional zonal levels.

Beyond the direct financial audit, Mr Museveni highlighted the growing, unsustainable burden of medical care for veterans, admitting that structural inefficiencies have led to massive financial leakages.

"I want to thank the veterans who helped us defeat a government army that had all the weapons," the President said. "When veterans are sick, I treat them, but I treat them in private hospitals—it is too much money. I had suggested that we use Entebbe Hospital to treat these veterans, but it seems I have not followed it up. I should do so, so that we stop squandering money."

Reflecting on the broader trajectory of the nation since 1986, the President used the Heroes' Day platform to review the core pillars of the liberation struggle.

"When auditing the aims and achievements of the resistance, it is important to go item by item: democracy, economy, security, infrastructure, education, and of course other areas," Museveni noted.

While praising the country's macroeconomic growth, he pointed out that macro-success has not yet fully translated into micro-prosperity for ordinary citizens, highlighting the urgent need for grassroots programs like the Parish Development Model (PDM).

"We have done well, and that is why the economy has expanded," the President concluded. "The problem is no longer the supply of goods; the issue is that some people do not have enough money, which is what we have been telling you to address through wealth creation for all."

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