The Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, Huda Abason Oleru, has urged children of members of Uganda’s security forces to embrace unity, discipline, and patriotism as they play a role in shaping the nation’s future.
Speaking during the launch of the United Children of Armed Forces Network (UCAFN) and the pass-out ceremony of 250 members at the National Leadership Institute (NALI) in Kyankwanzi, Oleru commended the young people for embracing a spirit of service and commitment to national values.
“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.
The Minister described the NALI retreat as the beginning of a new chapter of growth and leadership, calling on the group to focus on service, empowerment, and transformation.
She encouraged them to take advantage of government programmes such as the Parish Development Model and the Youth Livelihood Fund to improve livelihoods and contribute to community development.
“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,” Oleru added.
The United Children of Armed Forces Network brings together children of serving, retired, and fallen soldiers, promoting peace, patriotism, and socio-economic transformation.
Representing the Joint Staff Political Commissariat, Col Nelson Ahebwa, Deputy Joint Staff Political Commissar, praised NALI for training the participants, describing them as “seeds representing many of their colleagues.”
“Continue with the spirit of sacrifice because from that comes the peace, prosperity, and stability that our country is enjoying,” he said, urging the children to embrace hard work, innovation, and teamwork. “Focus on the bigger picture so that the smaller picture does not divert you,” he added.
Col Ahebwa reaffirmed the UPDF’s commitment to supporting soldiers’ children, noting, “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.”
Col Okei Rukogota, Director of NALI, said the retreat was designed to prepare a new generation to uphold Uganda’s revolutionary and patriotic heritage.
The Chairperson of UCAFN, Winnie Lokech, praised the initiative for uniting children of armed forces and urged peers to preserve their parents’ legacy through solidarity, discipline, and 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.