Ministry Of Defence Launches Skills Training For Veterans And Families In Mbale
The Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), through its Directorate of Veteran Affairs (DVA), has rolled out a skilling and equipping workshop at Maluku District Headquarters, aimed at empowering 213 beneficiaries—including Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) veterans, widows, and their children.
Representing the Ministry, Mr Mabonga Mike, Commissioner for Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Support, and Reintegration, commended the veterans for forming a SACCO. He described such initiatives as effective channels for accessing government support and reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to helping ex-servicemen and women transition successfully to civilian life.
Mr Mabonga also highlighted ongoing retirement documentation efforts at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy in Jinja, assuring participants that priority would be given to vulnerable individuals during resettlement and rehabilitation. He thanked the government for improving veterans’ retirement benefits and reinstating many onto the payroll.
Addressing health concerns, he encouraged affected veterans to seek care at military medical facilities, adding, “critical cases would be referred to the General Military Referral Hospital.”
Mbale District Woman MP, Hon Mariam Mukhaye, applauded MODVA for responding to her appeal to initiate the training programme. She praised its alignment with President Yoweri Museveni’s vision of socio-economic empowerment, calling it “timely.” However, she warned against mismanagement and short-sighted leadership within veterans’ SACCOs. “Without addressing these issues,” she cautioned, “sustainable progress will remain elusive.”
Mbale Resident District Commissioner Mr George Wopuwa reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting its former service personnel. He urged veterans to uphold the discipline instilled during their military careers, which he said is essential for SACCO governance and successful reintegration. “As the country approaches a politically tense period, veterans should remain vigilant, promote civil-military cooperation, and uphold the image of the UPDF,” he added.
The workshop covered SACCO formation, financial literacy, and conflict resolution—key skills designed to improve the economic resilience and social integration of the beneficiaries.
