Namisindwa, Uganda: Mr. Khaukha George William Luke, one of the few remaining veterans of the Uganda Patriotic Movement (UPM), has spoken about what he calls years of government neglect despite his significant contributions to the liberation struggle that eventually led to the rise of the National Resistance Movement (NRM).
Born in 1951 in Bubutu Sub-county, Namisindwa District, Khaukha served as UPM Publicity Secretary for Mbale District in 1980 under the late Perez Musamali (Chairman), Wadada Musani (Vice Chairman), and the late Maumbe Mukhwana (Treasurer). He says that while others who joined the struggle later or shifted political affiliations have received recognition, he and his fellow early UPM veterans remain largely overlooked.
“Many who opposed us in the past have been rewarded, yet those of us who risked our lives for change have been forgotten,” Khaukha lamented. “Leaders like Musamali, Maumbe, and Wadada have been honored after their deaths, but I continue to live in obscurity.”
Khaukha recounted that after the disputed 1980 elections, which saw UPM win only one parliamentary seat through Dr. Crispus Kiyonga, President Museveni launched the five-year bush war. During this period, UPM members were reportedly pursued by government forces, forcing Khaukha to seek refuge in Bungoma, Kenya, following advice from Musamali. His challenges intensified in 1986 when Musamali was killed by the Force Obote Back Again (FOBA) group.
“Musamali was a visionary and a mentor who shared strategic insights with me. His death left a void and a sense that our sacrifices were overlooked,” Khaukha recalled.
Despite repeated efforts, Khaukha says he has been unable to secure a meeting with President Museveni due to bureaucratic obstacles. After returning from exile, he served as RC3 Chairman for Bubutu from 1986 to 1989 and later volunteered as a legal assistant with Kampala City Council until retiring in 2012 after the formation of KCCA.
A father of twelve, Khaukha is now appealing to local authorities to help facilitate a meeting with the President and to advocate for support for his family. He stresses that recognizing his contributions would honor not only him but also the Namisindwa community that played a vital role in Uganda’s liberation.
Khaukha also highlighted the strategic importance of the Bugisu sub-region, particularly Namisindwa, in the liberation struggle, noting that President Museveni was once sheltered in the Taaso and Kaboole areas during UPM mobilization efforts.
President Museveni is scheduled to visit Namisindwa District on November 8, 2025, as part of his campaign tour—a visit Khaukha hopes will finally give him a chance to meet the Head of State in person.
