The Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth, has urged veterans in Tororo District and across the country to mobilise support for President Yoweri Museveni in the upcoming 2026 general elections.
Oboth, who also serves as the MP for West Budama Central, made the appeal on Wednesday while meeting members of the NRM Tororo Veterans League from 42 administrative units at Mulanda Secondary School in West Budama Central.
“Veterans, as your Minister, I can assure you that the future is much better now. One of the gains we must jealously protect is voting for President Museveni,” he said, praising the President’s leadership and the support he has received while serving in the ministry.
“The President has taken me like his own child, and we have worked as a team with my technical staff.”
He expressed concern that veterans—despite their central role in securing Uganda’s peace—are often excluded from government programmes. “People take you seriously because you are trained. I am surprised that many of you are not allowed to participate in government programs. If there is any form of discrimination, it must be rectified,” Oboth added.
The Minister also pointed to challenges within the veterans sector in Tororo, noting that the district’s veterans affairs office is dysfunctional and affected by corruption.
He recommended Major (Rtd) Simon Peter Eriya to serve as Tororo District Veterans Liaison Officer to help improve coordination and welfare support.
“We do not want to see any veteran suffer in Uganda,” he said, highlighting that the Ministry of Defence is constructing what he described as one of the best hospitals in Africa to improve veterans’ access to healthcare.
Turning to local politics, Oboth called on Tororo residents—including those who have never voted for President Museveni—to support him, citing the resolution of district boundary disputes and the creation of new districts under the former Greater Tororo.
“For us, we are happy with Mulanda District. We need to empower these districts. As for Tororo City, let it belong to all of us,” he added.
Rt. Brigadier General Emmanuel Musinguzi, who oversees veterans affairs nationally, said the meeting provided a platform to document concerns affecting veterans, many of whom he noted are living in poverty and battling frustrations that have driven some into alcoholism.
Mabonga Mike Wambi, Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, described the engagement as long overdue, noting that many veterans lack information on the required procedures to process their claims.
He said the ministry used the gathering to register previously unregistered veterans and assured them that all who follow the proper processes will receive their payments.
Amula Albert, the Deputy Resident District Commissioner of Tororo, encouraged veterans to embrace government programmes to improve their livelihoods.
He also urged political leaders in the district to prioritise unity, tolerance, and peace during the election period, saying, “We need to build a Tororo that is accommodative to everyone.”