Mr. Mike Mabonga, the Commissioner of Rehabilitation, Psychosocial Support, and Resettlement at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA), underscored the ministry’s commitment to prioritizing the reintegration of military veterans into civilian life in a recent statement. The Commissioner spoke during the Sensitization and Documentation Exercise for retiring Officers of Batch 13 B 2024 at the Non-Commissioned Officers Academy (NCOA) in Jinja.
Highlighting retirement as a commendable achievement and a prolonged endeavor, Mr. Mabonga acknowledged the challenges veterans face when transitioning into civilian life. He urged the government to address the shortfalls from the veterans’ desk, emphasizing the importance of robust economic empowerment programs. Financial literacy and land management were identified as critical areas requiring attention.
Mr. Mabonga advised retirees to be prepared for unforeseen challenges in their receiving communities, considering the extended periods spent away from families. He recommended their participation in existing government programs such as OWC, Emyooga, and PDM to enhance their livelihoods.
Regarding rehabilitation issues, Commissioner Mabonga assured veterans of inclusive support, including assistive devices for the sick and elderly, with a focus on continuous identification of referrals for treatment. For those facing legal challenges, he urged them to utilize the Veteran’s Legal Aid Clinic (VLAC), offering mediation, arbitration, and pro bono assistance free of charge, primarily targeting the vulnerable. However, he emphasized the importance of being law-abiding citizens.
Col Nicolas Humble Nyesiga, the UPDF Land Forces Director of Personnel and Administration, expressed total support for retirees seeking formal employment outside MODVA circles, promoting their career development after active service. He encouraged retirees to provide feedback on MODVA services, underlining their continued association with the Reserve Forces.
