Tensions Mount In Bunyangabu As Veterans Accuse LCV C/person Of Sabotaging Compensation Funds

By Jamillah Kemigisa

A storm is brewing in Bunyangabu District as National Resistance Army (NRA) war veterans accuse the district LC5 chairperson, Mugarama Ategeka James, of deliberately obstructing their long-awaited government compensation funds. The controversy has triggered outrage, especially as it unfolds in the run-up to the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) party primaries.

During a heated veterans’ assembly held at the district headquarters — attended by over 1,000 former fighters — Fenehansi Bwambale, Chairperson of the Bunyangabu Veterans Association, delivered a scathing indictment against the district leader. Bwambale alleged that Mugarama submitted a letter to the central government misrepresenting the status of NRA veterans in the district, stating none were alive and dismissing claimants as “ghost people.”

“This is betrayal. We were in the bush fighting for this country. Now someone writes us off like we never existed?” an emotional Bwambale told attendees, drawing loud reactions from the crowd.

He further alleged mismanagement of UGX 81 million earmarked for veteran Saccos in six sub-counties — Kiyombya, Kibiito, Rwimi, Kisomoro, Buheesi, and Katebwa — claiming only UGX 40 million was released, with the rest unaccounted for under Mugarama’s oversight.

The accusations strike at the heart of Mugarama’s political ambitions, as he eyes the NRM flag for the Bunyangabu parliamentary seat. Bwambale issued a stern warning to fellow veterans, stating that any who support Mugarama politically risk being removed from the list of beneficiaries awaiting compensation.

“We must use our votes to protest this injustice. This is not politics; this is our survival,” Bwambale declared.

Echoing the frustrations, Turyahikayo Joy, chairperson of veterans in Rwimi Town Council, questioned the motives behind the alleged obstruction. “Why would a leader stand in the way of support meant for his people? This is not just about money; it’s about respect and recognition,” she said.

The event was attended by key district and security leaders, including Deputy Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Robert Kamukama (the guest of honor), GISO, DISO, DPC, NRM district chairperson Musinguzi Peter, and area MP Hon. Kamukama Davis. The platform allowed veterans to express their grievances directly to those in power.

In response, NRM district chairperson Musinguzi Peter called for unity and calm. “We will ensure every veteran receives what is due to them. We must not let political differences rob our heroes of their dignity,” he reassured the audience.

The Bunyangabu veteran dispute reflects broader national challenges surrounding the “Akasiimo” compensation initiative launched in 2008, intended to honor both fighters and civilian supporters of the NRA liberation war. While the government has disbursed over UGX 139 billion nationwide, thousands of veterans — including approximately 2,300 in Bunyangabu — are still awaiting payment.

In 2016, veterans in the region embarked on constructing a UGX 1.9 billion regional headquarters in Kibiito Town Council. However, the project stalled due to low participation, with only 350 out of an estimated 17,000 Rwenzori region veterans contributing.

As tensions simmer and political campaigns heat up, the veterans’ demands for justice, dignity, and recognition have become central to Bunyangabu’s political discourse.

Despite repeated calls by our reporter, Mugarama did not respond on the allegations.