NELSON K
Rukungiri Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Rotarian Steven Nsubuga Bewayo has urged medalists to take pride in their achievements by wearing their medals publicly to enhance recognition and access special treatment.
He made the remarks today, Tuesday, 8th January 2024, while presiding over the distribution of 1,000 hoes donated by the President through the Prime Minister’s Office. The hoes, a token of appreciation, were distributed to the 1979-1986 Liberation and Civilian War Veterans of Rukungiri District at the district headquarters.
The sub-county chiefs received the hoes for onward distribution to members of the FRONASA Veterans Association and Civilian War Veterans. Each FRONASA veteran, recognized for their role in the struggle to overthrow Idi Amin’s regime (1978-1980), received three hoes, while Civilian War Veterans, acknowledged for their support during the 1981-1986 conflict, received two hoes at their respective Sub County headquarters.
RDC Bewayo noted that some medalists are hesitant to display their medals publicly and encouraged them to do so to receive recognition and preferential treatment during service delivery.
Santurina Nahwera, the Vice Chairperson of LC5 representing the District Chairperson, praised the government for recognizing the veterans’ sacrifices and responding to their requests. She encouraged the beneficiaries to use the hoes effectively to boost productivity, generate income, and enhance their loyalty to the government.
Hillary Agaba, the Deputy Chief Administrative Officer (DCAO), emphasized the importance of accurate record-keeping by civil servants to avoid mismanagement and potential embarrassment. He reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring the hoes reach the intended beneficiaries and warned against misuse.
Kakwerere Eliasafu, a civilian war veteran from Buyanja Sub County, urged authorities to remain vigilant and ensure clear distinctions between Bush War Veterans and Civilian War Veterans during benefit distributions. He emphasized the importance of allowing veterans to identify their comrades regardless of current political affiliations.
This gesture of distributing hoes is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to honor the contributions of veterans while promoting agricultural productivity and self-reliance.
