KOLOLO — Vice President Jessica Alupo has called on children of armed forces personnel to actively embrace government wealth creation programs as a pathway to economic empowerment and national transformation.
Speaking on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni during a thanksgiving ceremony in Kololo, Alupo encouraged the youth to take advantage of initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM), Emyooga, Youth Livelihood Fund, and Presidential Skilling Hubs.
She emphasized that engaging households in income-generating activities is key to achieving the government’s goal of socio-economic transformation.
“If every household is involved in productive work, we can eliminate poverty and ensure prosperity for all,” she said.
The ceremony, organized by children of members serving in the Uganda Prisons Service, Uganda Police Force, and Uganda People’s Defence Forces, marked a historic gathering. It was the first time children of fallen heroes, veterans, and serving officers convened on a national platform to give thanks and reaffirm their commitment to national service.
Alupo praised the peaceful conduct of the recent elections and credited the government for maintaining stability, peace, and development in the country.
She noted that Uganda is experiencing increased agricultural and industrial production, citing surplus production in commodities such as maize, milk, sugar, and bananas. However, she acknowledged that about 33 percent of households remain outside the money economy and urged them to utilize available government programs to improve their livelihoods.
“Development alone is not enough. It must translate into jobs and wealth at the household level,” she stressed.
Winnie Lokech, President of the United Children of the Armed Forces Network (UCAFNET), described the gathering as a significant milestone for children of armed forces, representing over 130,000 members.
She said the group is ready to contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s future and called for targeted support from government. Among their proposals were prioritization in industrial hubs and skilling programs, establishment of a presidential scholarship fund, strengthening of SACCOs, and creation of a dedicated directorate under the Ministry of Defence to address their affairs.
Lokech also advocated for structured pathways into national service and increased participation of children of armed forces in leadership and governance.
The event highlighted the growing role of youth from military families in shaping Uganda’s development, with leaders emphasizing discipline, patriotism, and economic empowerment as key pillars for the country’s future.
