In a move that’s sparking both hope and controversy, Uganda’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs, Jacob Markson Oboth Oboth, is urging veterans to rally behind President Yoweri Museveni in the 2026 elections—but here’s where it gets controversial: is this a genuine call for unity, or a strategic political play? In a recent gathering at Mulanda Secondary School in Tororo District, Oboth, who also serves as the Member of Parliament for West Budama Central, passionately appealed to veterans from 42 administrative units to mobilize votes for Museveni. 'The future is brighter now,' he declared, crediting Museveni’s leadership as a cornerstone of Uganda’s progress. But this is the part most people miss: Oboth openly acknowledged the President’s mentorship, stating, 'He has treated me like his own child, and together, we’ve worked seamlessly as a team.' Is this a heartfelt endorsement or a calculated political statement?
While rallying for Museveni, Oboth didn’t shy away from addressing the elephant in the room: the systemic exclusion of veterans from government programs. 'You fought for this country, yet many of you are left on the sidelines,' he lamented, vowing to rectify any discrimination. He even recommended Rt. Major Simon Peter Eriya as the Tororo District Veterans Liaison Officer to tackle corruption and inefficiency plaguing the district’s veterans affairs office. But here’s the question: Will this appointment truly bring change, or is it just a symbolic gesture?
Oboth also highlighted the Ministry’s efforts to improve veterans’ welfare, including the construction of a state-of-the-art hospital in Africa. 'No veteran should suffer from treatable diseases,' he asserted. Yet, Brigadier General (Rtd) Emmanuel Musinguzi, the national head of veterans affairs, painted a grim picture: many veterans are living in poverty, with some dying from frustration-induced alcoholism. Is the government doing enough, or are these promises too little, too late?
On the local front, Oboth urged Tororo residents—even those who’ve never supported Museveni—to back the President, citing his resolution of long-standing district boundary disputes and the creation of new districts like Mulanda. 'Let’s empower these districts and make Tororo City a symbol of unity,' he said. But is this a genuine call for unity, or a political tactic to secure votes?
The meeting also shed light on the challenges veterans face in accessing government support. Mabonga Mike Wambi, Commissioner for Veterans Affairs, admitted that many veterans lack information on claim procedures, while Amula Albert, Tororo’s Deputy Resident District Commissioner, urged veterans to engage more actively with government programs. But if the system is broken, how can veterans truly benefit?
As the 2026 elections loom, Oboth’s call to action raises critical questions: Is Museveni’s leadership the key to Uganda’s future, or is it time for a new direction? Are veterans being genuinely empowered, or are they pawns in a larger political game? We want to hear from you—do you agree with Oboth’s stance, or is there more to this story? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
