By Jamillah Kemigisa
A storm is brewing in Kabarole District as members of the Kabarole Veterans Association accuse a regional leader of betrayal, land grabbing, and suppressing their right to self-governance.
The veterans allege that John Kinuge, Chairperson of the Rwenzori Katebwa Civilian War Veterans Association, has unlawfully seized control of land they collectively purchased. According to the group, Kinuge sold portions of the property without consulting them and has defied a ministerial directive granting Kabarole veterans autonomy in managing their affairs.
At the center of the controversy is an 8.5-acre plot of land in Kyabanyaga, purchased using contributions from veterans across the Rwenzori sub-region, including Fort Portal and Kabarole. Each veteran reportedly contributed 30,000 Uganda Shillings, united by a common goal: to establish income-generating projects such as brick-making and tree planting.
“We were given a brick-laying machine by the President, and the plan was to build a livelihood for all veterans,” said Turyasingura Julius, interim Chairperson of the Kabarole District Veterans Association. “But now, bricks are being sold, the land is being exploited, and those of us who paid have received nothing — not even a single brick or shilling.”
The veterans accuse Kinuge of exceeding his authority by unilaterally taking over the land and running its affairs without their involvement. More seriously, they allege he has sold off parts of the land to unknown individuals.
“Kinuge is using his office for personal gain,” said one visibly angry veteran. “We paid for that land, but now we’re treated like strangers on our own property.”
Another veteran, speaking on condition of anonymity, added: “This isn’t just about land — it’s about being disrespected and silenced. We sacrificed for this country, and now we’re being discarded.”
The veterans say their struggle is compounded by Kinuge’s refusal to implement a directive from Hon. Alice Kaboyo, Minister for the Luwero Triangle and Veterans Affairs. During a recent meeting, Minister Kaboyo reportedly ruled that Kabarole veterans should operate independently from the Rwenzori regional structure.
“The Minister came here herself and declared our right to self-govern,” said Turyasingura. “But Kinuge has ignored that completely. He still wants to control everything — as if he’s above the law.”
Beyond the land dispute, veterans expressed growing frustration with the government’s failure to fulfill long-standing promises — notably a pledge to build houses for veterans over 80 years old. Many say they continue to live in dire conditions, forgotten by the very state they once defended.
When reached for comment, John Kinuge dismissed the accusations, saying only, “I am not aware of the allegations,” and declined to provide further clarification.
The veterans are now appealing directly to the central government to intervene — to restore their land, protect their autonomy, and finally deliver on promises made to Uganda’s war heroes.
“We’re not begging,” said Turyasingura. “We’re demanding what we earned through sacrifice — dignity, respect, and justice.”
As tensions continue to rise, the dispute threatens to expose deeper systemic issues in the treatment of Uganda’s veterans and could spark broader unrest if left unresolved.
