Uganda Set To Begin Construction Of Veterans’ Projects In Mozambique

Uganda is set to begin construction of veterans’ projects in Mozambique after securing funding for the first phase of the programme aimed at preserving the historical ties between the two countries.

The initial phase will involve the construction of a dormitory at the former training barracks in Montepuez, Cabo Delgado Province, as part of a broader commitment made by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during his 2018 state visit to Mozambique.

During the visit, President Museveni pledged to refurbish accommodation facilities at the former training barracks, improve a technical institute in Montepuez and establish agricultural and agro-processing projects for FRELIMO veterans.

Speaking during a meeting with a Mozambican delegation at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Kiryowa Kiwanuka, said the projects were rooted in Mozambique’s historical support for Uganda’s liberation struggle.

He said the initiative was intended to preserve the history of the liberation struggles and ensure that future generations understand the role Mozambique played in Uganda’s history.

“We can never speak about the relationship between Uganda and Mozambique without going back to our history. The existence of Uganda in its current state has got its umbilical cord cut in Mozambique. That’s where the revolution started, and therefore we cannot emphasise enough the need to keep this alive for the generations that are going to come to understand where we come from,” Hon. Kiryowa said.

He said President Museveni had directed that the projects be implemented, with funding already made available and construction of the dormitory identified as the first phase.

“So today we want to tell you that we have both verbal and written instructions to commence works this financial year. These projects have been sanctioned at the highest level. Ours is to get the Commander-in-Chief’s intent into action,” he said.

Hon. Kiryowa urged the Mozambican side to complete the necessary approvals to enable construction to begin without further delay.

He said Uganda and Mozambique had a shared responsibility to preserve the sacrifices and relationships forged during their liberation struggles.

“If we don’t do these things, then history is going to go with us,” he said.

Hon. Kiryowa described Uganda’s contribution to the project as a gesture of appreciation for Mozambique’s longstanding support to Ugandan liberation fighters.

“It is only a token meant to put on record the gratitude of the Ugandan people for Mozambique’s longstanding support,” he said.

The Minister of Combatants of the Republic of Mozambique, H.E. Hon. Nyeleti Brooke Mondlane, welcomed Uganda’s commitment and said Mozambique was ready to work with Uganda to implement the project.

Hon. Mondlane said the relationship between the two countries was deeply rooted in their shared liberation history, noting that President Museveni had on several occasions recalled his experiences in Mozambique.

She said Mozambique had a responsibility to preserve the history alongside Uganda and supported the phased implementation of the project.

“We have a responsibility to ensure that that history never dies, so we take full responsibility for what this work signifies for us. And we totally agree that we will do this in phases, consolidating each phase that we go through,” she said.

Hon. Mondlane said the project will provide a foundation for broader cooperation between Uganda and Mozambique, particularly in veterans’ affairs.

“I cannot emphasise enough about what it is that we dream for Mozambique and Uganda. Once we have completed this project, which is proof to both countries that we are able to move forward, we will do other things with Uganda, either here or in Mozambique,” she said.

Gen (Rtd) Ivan Koreta, Senior Presidential Adviser on Mozambique and one of the surviving members of the original Montepuez group, said the project held special significance for those who were part of the historical relationship between Uganda and Mozambique.

“And indeed, I’m honoured and looking forward to when we go down to Mozambique to break ground for the project,” Koreta said.

He said several visits between Uganda and Mozambique, together with technical assessments conducted on the ground, had provided the information required to develop the project budget.

The meeting was attended by the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Defence), Hon. Grace Akifeza Ngabirano; the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Dr. Huda Abason Oleru; Ambassador Col (Rtd) Fred Mwesigye; Brig Gen (Rtd) John Bosco Omure; commissioners and senior officers.