The Special Presidential Assistant on Political Affairs has written to the Hoima and Kikuube Resident District Commissioners and the Hoima City Resident Commissioner informing them of the alleged unlawful mobilisation and registration of war veterans underway in Hoima and Kikuube districts.
In his letter dated august 21, 2023, Brig Gen Jacob Asiimwe, says reports to his office indicate that Sgt (Rtd) Peter Bagonza the Coordinator for War Veterans in Greater Hoima, is mobilising and registering war veterans as part of the process to be paid their “akasiimo” (gratuity) from the office of the Minister of State for Luwero Triangle.
He adds that the reports further indicate that during his exercise, Sgt Bagonza – the Senior Non-Commissioned Officer (SNCO) solicits money from his unsuspecting victims as a trajectory to access their gratuity.
The Brigadier informs the RDCs that Sgt Bagonza’s act is crafty and should be stopped given that none of the two offices responsible for the veterans is aware of the assignment.
“Reliable information also has it that the registration is done at a fee paid by each veteran to be registered. The purpose of this letter is to inform you [RCC/RDCs] that the Office of the Minister of State for Luwero Triangle and my office have notmandated Sgt Bagonza Peter to carry out such registration and that even if the registration was to take place, it would be freeofcharge,”Brig Asiimwe writes.
Adding: “You are, therefore, asked to stop the registration and ensure that the veterans and the public are not fleeced of their money.”
Contacted for a comment on Thursday, September 7, 2023, Sgt Bagonza denied he solicited for money during the registration exercise for which he says he was assigned by higher authorities.
He said he will continue carrying out the registration exercise as instructed by the higher authorities.
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