The government has earmarked 70 billion shillings to help the children of fallen soldiers.
The President was addressing 2000 children of fallen soldiers at Namboole Stadium, whom he assured of support to improve their welfare.
He also said government will ensure that they access the Youth Livelihood funds under Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development and directed the Permanent Secretary Mr Pius Bigirimana to explain to them more about the program.
Mr Museveni further assured the children that government will support them since the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) has the records of their parents.
He also urged them not to squander their lives but utilize the opportunities availed to them to transform their lives.
“The most important thing is that you should look after your life. Don’t drink, don’t involve in promiscuity because your life is wealth. If you are alive, other things will come. Please look after your health, be disciplined and utilise all the opportunities the government will give you and we shall support you,’’ Mr Museveni said.
He said that government would find ways of helping those whose parents did not register ‘as they are all Ugandans’.
The President said he was happy to see that the youth are organized and called on them to work together.
“I’m happy to see that you are organized. If you are organized, it is easy to address your issues,’’ he said.
The State Minister for Defence General Jeje Odongo thanked the President for coming to share with the children of the fallen comrades.
Maj Gen Wilson Mbadi, the Joint Chief of Staff said the UPDF will continue to interact with the children of the fallen comrades through encouraging them to join the forces and added that the army would follow up on payment of the survival benefits to the families and also help them access youth livelihood funds.
