Veterans and civilian collaborators from the Kigezi sub-region have expressed frustration after none of their nominees received medals during the 45th Tarehe Sita celebrations held on February 6, 2026, in Kabale District.
The ceremony marked 45 years since the launch of the 1981 guerrilla war led by Gen (Rtd) Yoweri Museveni against the Uganda People’s Congress administration of former President Apollo Milton Obote.
A total of 45 recipients, largely drawn from active military ranks and led by Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of the Armed Forces, were decorated for their roles in the liberation struggle.
Officials said awards were reserved for individuals who directly participated in FRONASA’s campaigns against Idi Amin between 1970 and 1979 and the NRA bush war from 1981 to 1986.
Caleb Turyamutunga, chairperson of the Kigezi Veterans Association, said the region was disappointed after its submitted list of nominees was overlooked.
“Despite submitting names approved by the Resident District Commissioner’s office, none of our nominees were selected,” Turyamutunga said.
The team initially compiled 65 names from the six districts of Kisoro, Kanungu, Rukungiri, Rukiga, Rubanda, and Kabale.
They were later instructed to limit nominations to four individuals per district—16 in total—but still none of the Kigezi nominees received medals.
Turyamutunga emphasized that recognition largely focused on serving soldiers and a few retired officers, overlooking civilians who played crucial roles in the struggle.
He cited examples of personal sacrifice, including property confiscated while assisting the rebels.
“One case is Warren Tumusiime, 75, of Kabale District, who helped recruit more than 100 fighters between 1984 and 1986 and lost property, including his banana plantation and a Peugeot pickup truck, during a government raid in 1985,” he said.
Other instances included vehicles belonging to local institutions that were taken by NRA fighters with promises of compensation after the war, including buses from Kanungu District, trucks from schools and tea growers’ groups, and musical instruments from Ndorwa Primary School used to establish the pioneer NRA brass band, which have never been returned, Turyamutunga added.
Maurice Mugenga Kaitaba, former Kabale District NRM registrar who helped mobilize veterans for the celebrations, said many attendees traveled long distances expecting recognition but returned home without medals.
Responding to the complaints, Kabale Resident District Commissioner Godfrey Katamba confirmed that the regional list had been submitted to UPDF authorities but expressed uncertainty over why the nominees were not included.
“The limited number of medals awarded nationwide may have led to priority being given to serving officers. I want to urge the veterans to remain patient; future opportunities could still arise to acknowledge the contributions of Kigezi veterans. I pledge to follow up on the matter and provide feedback,” Katamba said.
