Fronasa fighters in Acholi remind Museveni of pledges
Relatives of former members of Fronasa in Gulu Town share a light moment with their chairperson, Mr Francis Odoki, (2nd left) recently. PHOTO BY CISSY MAKUMBI
OMORO/ AMURU- Children and relatives of former members of Front for National Salvation (Fronasa) rebel outfit have accused President Museveni of neglect and failure to fulfil the pledges he made to them in recognition of their contribution to the liberation struggle.
Fronasa is a former rebel military movement established in 1971 by Mr Museveni to fight Idi Amin’s government.
Some of the members totalling 5,000 then served as combatants, informers, collaborators and coordinators whose roles, they said, must be rewarded.
However, a few Fronasa members that are alive and relatives of the departed say they have been forgotten.
During an interview with Daily Monitor on Wednesday some of them said they could not attain education to prepare for a better future since the family heads were killed.
Complaints
The chairperson of Fronasa in Acholi Sub-region, Mr Francis Okello Odoki, said his late father, Lino Okuya, was a member of the rebel outfit and made a big contribution to the struggle for freedom.
“Several pledges have been made by President Museveni towards our wellbeing but nothing has been implemented. We feel cheated,’’ he said.
“In 2013 and 2015, while in Lalogi and Lakwana Sub-counties in Omoro District, President Museveni pledged to offer scholarships to Fronasa members whose children are in school and extend direct support to their families,” Mr Odoki told Daily Monitor on Wednesday.
Ms Susan Amony, the daughter of late Amos Obwona, says she has lived a miserable life since the passing on of her father, who was their family’s sole caretaker.
“The President is aware of the various roles our parents played and it should be on that note that he recalls, and gives a helping hand to the families,” Ms Amony said.
The late Obwona was a resident of Atiak Sub-county, present day Amuru District. He was killed by the firing squad.
When contacted, the National Resistance Movement party spokesperson, Mr Rogers Mulindwa, said Fronasa matters can only be responded to by President Museveni.
“Mr Museveni knows better the terms of agreement between Fronasa and NRA [National Resistance Army] at that time,’’ he said.
Their demands
Appointment. The relatives and children of former Front for National Salvation rebel outfit want to be appointed to higher offices like some of their counterparts.
They also want scholarship programmes for their children. In addition they say government should introduce specific programmes targeting Fronasa fraternity in the region that can help in household income.
They also say Fronasa contribution in bringing peace in the country should be recognised.
