By The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), through its Directorate of Veteran Affairs (DVA), has rolled out a skills training and equipping workshop in Maluku, Mbale District, aimed at empowering military veterans, their widows, and children. A total of 213 participants are benefiting from the initiative.
Representing the Ministry, Commissioner for Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Support, and Reintegration, Mr. Mike Mabonga, applauded the veterans for forming a Savings and Credit Cooperative Organization (SACCO), saying such collective models offer practical avenues for accessing government aid and enhancing sustainability.
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He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to supporting veterans in transitioning from military to civilian life, adding that the retirement documentation process is actively ongoing at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja. Mabonga also commended the government for improving retirement benefits and reinstating several veterans on the payroll, especially those in vulnerable situations.
Veterans were further encouraged to seek treatment at UPDF health facilities, with Mabonga noting that severe medical cases would be referred to the General Military Referral Hospital.
Mbale District Woman MP, Hon. Mariam Mukhaye, who advocated for the workshop, welcomed the training as a timely intervention aligned with President Yoweri Museveni’s vision for citizen economic empowerment. However, she cautioned participants to avoid forming SACCOs solely to exploit government funds, urging them to ensure transparency, proper leadership, and a clear strategy for long-term impact.
“Without addressing these issues,” she said, “sustainable progress will remain elusive.”
Mbale Resident District Commissioner George Wopuwa emphasized the government’s ongoing support for former servicemen and women. He urged veterans to uphold the values of discipline and integrity that characterized their military service, particularly in SACCO management and reintegration efforts.
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“As we move into a politically sensitive period, veterans should continue to promote civil-military cooperation and preserve the integrity of the UPDF,” Wopuwa said.
The training sessions covered topics such as SACCO development, financial literacy, and conflict resolution essential skills aimed at enhancing participants’ socio-economic resilience and helping them reintegrate successfully into civilian life.
