The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (MSDVA), Hon. Huda Abason Oleru, has called on children of members of security forces under the United Children of Armed Forces Network (UCAFN) to uphold unity, discipline, and a sense of purpose as they contribute to national development.
Hon. Oleru made the remarks during the launch of UCAFN and pass-out ceremony of 250 members of the group at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi. The group, which champions patriotism, peace, and socio-economic transformation, comprises children of serving, retired, and fallen comrades from all security agencies in Uganda.
“You are not ordinary citizens; you carry the blood of warriors, protectors, and patriots. You are the bridge between yesterday’s sacrifice and tomorrow’s promise,” she said, adding that the retreat at NALI marked the beginning of a new chapter of growth and leadership.
She urged them to focus on service, empowerment, and transformation by taking advantage of government programmes such as the Parish Development Model and the Youth Livelihood Fund.
The Minister encouraged them to pursue practical skills in agriculture, entrepreneurship, and other productive sectors, assuring them of continued support from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
“I am very happy that we are already doing it, and as the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the UPDF, we shall give you the necessary support,” she noted.
Representing the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, the Deputy Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Col Nelson Ahebwa, applauded NALI for hosting and training the participants, describing them as “seeds representing many of their colleagues.”
He commended their display of leadership, patriotism, and sacrifice, urging them to maintain these values as they work towards a peaceful and prosperous Uganda.
“Continue with the spirit of sacrifice because from that comes the peace, prosperity, and stability that our country is enjoying,” Col Ahebwa said.
He further encouraged them to embrace hard work, innovation, and teamwork, reminding them to “focus on the bigger picture so that the smaller picture does not divert them.”
Col Ahebwa reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to empowering the children of soldiers, describing them as the force’s continuity. “The UPDF recognises that you are our children and our future. We must empower you because that is how a revolution produces its own eggs to sustain itself,” he remarked.
The Director of NALI, Col Okei Rukogota, said the retreat was intended to prepare a new generation to uphold Uganda’s revolutionary and patriotic heritage.
The Chairperson of the United Children of Armed Forces Network, Winnie Lokech, urged her colleagues to preserve the legacy of their parents through solidarity, discipline, and national service.
“We are proud heirs of a legacy of sacrifice, discipline, and patriotism. It is now our responsibility to transform that legacy into national service, economic empowerment, and productive citizenship,” she said.
She proposed the establishment of a Directorate for Children of the Armed Forces under the Ministry of Defence, a national scholarship fund for orphans, and a youth enterprise fund to support innovation and agricultural ventures.
The ceremony was attended by senior and junior UPDF Officers, including Col Moses Ssentongo, the Director of Music, and Lt Col Rubanzayo Ndyabahika, Head of Faculty and Academics at NALI.
