"As we plan to amend the UPDF act, my focus is to advocate for the welfare of the veterans, it will be one of the areas of focus, to enhance their pension and psychosocial support as ex service men and women with their families"- Mukhaye Miriam as she made her submissions towards the military veterans in a one day motivation and skilling Seminar.
Speaking to more than 150 veterans in Lukhobo in Maluku, Mukhaye noted she is in a process lobbying for the skilling of the veterans of mbale district by the ministry of defence.
"After training and skilling the 150 veterans of Mbale district, there are plans from the government to have you empowerd to improve on your economy and fighting of poverty eradication"- Mukhaye before the Ex officials.
The veterans were trained on financial decline, beeing innovative, focus on Agriculture and always invest wisely.
Uganda Army veterans in Uganda, primarily those who served in the Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and its predecessors, such as the National Resistance Army (NRA), Uganda Army (UA), and King's African Rifles (KAR), face a range of circumstances shaped by the country’s complex military and political history. Below is a concise overview based on available information:
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Historical Context
Colonial and Early Independence Era: The Ugandan military originated with the King’s African Rifles (KAR) under British colonial rule, which became the Uganda Rifles and later the Uganda Army (UA) after independence in 1962. Veterans from this period, including those who fought in World War I and II, often faced challenges like inadequate pensions and lack of recognition. For instance, WWII veterans from Ankole in Western Uganda expressed dissatisfaction, believing the government owed them gratuities and pensions from the British, with calls for their inclusion under the Uganda Veterans Association Board (UVAB).
Post-Independence Conflicts: The UA, particularly under Idi Amin (1971–1979), was associated with repression and human rights abuses. After Amin’s overthrow, many UA veterans fled to Zaire or Sudan, with some forming insurgent groups like the West Nile Bank Front. Others who surrendered faced imprisonment or social stigma as “Amin’s soldiers,” impacting their reintegration.
NRA and UPDF Era: The NRA, led by Yoweri Museveni, fought a guerrilla war (1981–1986) and became the UPDF in 1995. Veterans from this period, including those involved in conflicts like the Iraq War (2005–2010) as security contractors, often benefited financially but faced reintegration challenges. For example, Conelius Tukahebwa, an Iraq veteran, used earnings to start a business but endured emotional hardships.
Current Status of Veterans
Retirement and Benefits: The UPDF actively manages veteran transitions through sensitization and documentation exercises. In July 2025, over 1,346 officers, including high-ranking figures like Lt. Gen. Peter Elwelu, are set to retire, with preparations ongoing at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja. The government has introduced a “commuted pension and gratuity” policy for veterans with at least nine years of service, aimed at aiding reintegration, though payouts have been slow.
Welfare Programs: The Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs (MODVA) oversees programs for retired and disabled soldiers, including the Wazalendo SACCO, a cooperative that provides loans and savings for welfare improvement. However, some veterans, especially from earlier eras, feel neglected, with unresolved issues like unpaid pensions.
Reserve Forces: The UPDF maintains a reserve force, calling up able-bodied veterans (55 years and below) for exercises, such as forming Battle Groups in 2023, requiring national IDs and discharge certificates.
Challenges:
Social Stigma: Veterans associated with Amin’s regime face negative perceptions, often labeled as uneducated or brutal, complicating their societal reintegration.
Economic Struggles: While some veterans, like Iraq War participants, achieved financial stability, others, particularly WWII and UA veterans, live in poverty, with unresolved compensation claims.
Political Repression: Retired soldiers engaging in opposition politics, like Pte. Justus Turyatunga, who supported the People Power movement, have faced abduction, torture, and court-martial, highlighting risks for politically active veterans.
Government Efforts and Criticism
The MODVA aims to support veterans through pensions, welfare programs, and reintegration initiatives, but critics argue that implementation is slow and selective.
The government’s reconciliation policies under Museveni have allowed some ex-UA soldiers to integrate into the NRA/UPDF, but victims of Amin’s regime feel justice for human rights abuses remains unaddressed.
A 2007 court ruling recognized UA veterans’ service until 1992, but the Supreme Court nullified compensation awards, though Museveni promised gradual payouts.
Recommendations from Studies
A study on WWII veterans recommended that the Ugandan government:
Clarify and address outstanding pension and gratuity issues.
Improve welfare through the Uganda Ex-Servicemen Association.
Document veterans’ experiences for historical preservation before they pass away.
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