ADF scare: UPDF summons army veterans

By Alex Baluku

As the UPDF continues its mission in pursuing the ADF Rebels in the DR Congo under their code named Operation Shuja , back home the ministry of Defense and Veterans Affairs has commenced massive verification of veterans of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces-UPDF and the National Resistance Army-NRA in Kasese district.

Maj. Rwemujuma Ninsiima, the UPDF spokesperson in Rwenzori Region says the 3-day roll call  exercise  started  this week  intended to validate data for all veterans of the NRA and also process gratuity for retirees of UPDF.

While addressing the press at the office of the Resident District Commissioner in Kasese town, Maj Ninsiima encouraged the veterans and families of deceased ex-servicemen who have never processed their benefits to visit Council Hall at the District Head Quarters in Rukoki, Kasese.

                                                                   
The UPDF mouthpiece, however, cautioned the people of Kasese against
forgery and or falsification of any documents adding that culprits
would face the wrath of the long arm of the law.

He stressed that UPDF has instituted a team to verify all claims for
pension and gratuity to ensure that only the genuine beneficiaries
receive their entitled emoluments.

Lt. Col. Kenneth Wabwire appealed to all ex-servicemen who are receiving their pension to ensure their physical presence at the Council Hall adding that the exercise will also weed out ghost pensioners from the list.

They however stressed that the activity will still be conducted across
the region revealing that on January 20th, the team shall be in
Bunyangabu, Kabarole on 21st to 22nd, Bundibugyo on 24th to 25th,
Ntoroko on 26th, Kitagwenda on 27th among others, encouraging the
veterans to visit their nearest verification centres to avoid
incurring transport costs to the UPDF Headquarters in Kampala to
process their benefits.