As a child of a soldier, I write this with a deep sense of pride and reflection following the recent general elections, in which H.E. Gen. (Rtd) Yoweri Kaguta Museveni secured a decisive victory. To many, it is a political outcome; but to us the children of men and women in uniform, it is a continuation of a story written in sacrifice, discipline, and resilience.
I belong to a generation raised in barracks and detachments across this country. We have seen both the lean and the plenty seasons. As the proverb goes, “a child who does not know where the rain started beating him cannot know where he dried his body.” Our story is tied to the history of this nation and the journey of our parents who wore the uniform and continue to wear with honor.
Today, we stand united under the United Children of Armed Forces Network (UCAFNET), ably led by Miss Winnie Anyango Loketch. Through this platform, we have organized ourselves not just as beneficiaries of our parents’ legacy, but as active participants in shaping the future.
During the recently concluded elections, many of us took part in mobilizing support across the country. We did so with a clear understanding that the Commander-in-Chief is not just a national leader, but the very leader under whom our parents served, sacrificed, and in some cases, paid the ultimate price.
It is for this reason that we have organized a grand victory celebration scheduled for 18th April 2026 at Kololo Independence Grounds. For me, Kololo is not just a venue, it is a place of national memory, a ground where Uganda has celebrated milestones and charted its course. The President’s acceptance to attend this event speaks volumes. It affirms that he recognizes us, the children of the armed forces, as part of his extended family.
Growing up, life was not always easy. Many of us remember days when resources were scarce, when our parents were deployed far from home, and when uncertainty was part of daily life. Yet those hardships shaped us. As the saying goes, “smooth seas do not make skillful sailors.” They taught us resilience, discipline, and the value of service above self.
When I look back at Uganda’s history, especially the period before 1986, I see a stark contrast. The military was once associated with instability, fear, and political turmoil. But with the coming of the National Resistance Army (NRA) under President Museveni, a new chapter began one focused on discipline, ideological clarity, and national unity. The transformation into the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) marked a shift toward professionalism and accountability.
I vividly recall the stories and, later, the accounts shared during the “Africa Kwetu” trek of 2019, where the President retraced the liberation war routes of 1981–1986. That journey was more than symbolic; it was a living classroom. It reminded us that “freedom is not handed over on a silver platter; it is fought for and protected.” Listening to those narratives as a child of a soldier gave me a deeper appreciation of what our parents endured.
Over the years, I have also witnessed gradual but meaningful improvements in the welfare of the armed forces. From better remuneration to improved housing in barracks, from enhanced training to greater professionalism, the progress is visible. Of course, challenges still exist—as they do in any growing institution, but as the proverb reminds us, “a journey of a thousand miles begins with one step.” And indeed, many steps have been taken.
Perhaps the greatest achievement, in my view, is the relative peace Uganda enjoys today. For someone like me, who grew up hearing stories of unrest and uncertainty, this peace is not something to take for granted. It has created space for education, opportunity, and hope. It has allowed children of soldiers like myself to dream beyond the limitations of our upbringing.
President Museveni, to us, remains more than just a political figure. He is a commander who walked a difficult path with our parents, a pan-Africanist with a clear vision, and, in many ways, a father figure to those of us raised within the military family. As he prepares to take oath for another term, we find it fitting to celebrate not just the victory, but the journey.
In my reflection, I am reminded of another proverb: “when the roots are deep, there is no reason to fear the wind.” Our roots, grounded in sacrifice and service, give us confidence in the future.
As children of the armed forces, we celebrate with pride, with gratitude, and with a renewed commitment to the values our parents stood for.
Long live the Commander-in-Chief.
Long live Chief of defense forces (CDF)
Long live the men and women in uniform.
Long live Uganda.
For God and My Country
Ongadia Robert Phillip
UCAFNET – Coordinator/NRM Mobilizer Jinja City
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