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A demand for recognition for their contribution in the liberation struggle topped the list of Hoima Veterans as they turned up to yesterday to mark Heroes Day.
In Hoima the event was celebrated at boma grounds in Hoima town.
Although speaker after speaker at the function praised the NRM government for liberating the country, the architects of the liberation struggle appeared unsatisfied.
Benson Katama a war veteran from Kihuule in Buhanika Sub County says it’s a shame for government to forget some veterans as key participants in the liberation struggle.
He argues that they have not received their gratuity package.
As a resident of Buhanika, one of the epicenters of the NRA liberation war, Katama wants government to compensate families of the war victims especially those from Buhanika and also pay ex-servicemen gratuity.
A monument was built at Buhanika Sub County three years ago in memory of soldiers and civilians who died in the liberation struggle.
The veterans also took issue of the heroic medals always awarded by the president, questioning the criteria of selecting the recipients.
Sergeant Peter Bagonza, the coordinator Hoima district Veterans Association claims the medals always go to big shots leaving out civilian contributors and men on the battle front.
Bagonza an NRA fighter says there are people who acted as guides and contacts during the liberation struggle but none of them has ever been awarded any medal.
He demands that the award of medals be a benefit of all contributors to the liberation struggle regardless of which role one played or status.
In 2009, government started awarding medals to people chosen as heroes of the country. Prominent of these so far is Bunyoro’s great King Omukama Kabalega Cwa.
But Apuuli Karugaba, a member of the National Historical League urges veterans to be patient saying all their concerns will be sorted out.
He however emphasizes that the medal are awarded basing on one’s performance and years of contribution.
Karugaba reveals that he has submitted 86 names from Hoima to the national medals awarding committee for consideration.
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Hoima veterans boycotted this years NRM liberation Day in January over unpaid gratuity.
