Military welfare initiatives launched in Uganda and Nigeria

Military leadership in Uganda and Nigeria have announced new initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of serving personnel and veterans.

In Uganda, Colonel Deus Taremwa, General Manager of Defence Forces Shop Uganda Limited (DFSUL), pledged to provide quality, affordable goods to soldiers, veterans, and civilian staff. The DFSUL plans to expand its product range to include construction materials and household essentials, while establishing branches nationwide. To further reduce costs, the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has requested duty exemptions from the Ministry of Finance. Management also warned that stricter controls and prosecutions will be implemented to prevent the unauthorized resale of subsidized goods to civilians.

In Nigeria, Chief of Defence Staff General Olufemi Oluyede reaffirmed the federal government's commitment to veteran welfare. During an engagement in Ibadan, Oluyede highlighted recent salary increases for serving personnel and subsequent adjustments to veterans' pensions. Proposed initiatives include dedicating at least one hospital in each geopolitical zone specifically for veterans' medical needs and establishing a low-interest loan scheme to support post-service business ventures. Additionally, a Defence Headquarters Online Shop has been launched in collaboration with Konga.