The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
The Injured freedom fighters speak out
However, as these reports show, it is the testimonies of the survivors that are the most moving. The Independent bring you some of them:
PROTOGENE BIRAGUMA was injured in 1994 in Kibungo, now Ngoma. He was 18 when he was Injured by a bullet, he was hospitalized in Kibungo hospital from ’94 until 2008. He received a house and started a business, the bar he owns.
He says he was inspired by other heroes of Africa who fought and liberated their countries like Mansa Musa, Shaka Zulu,King Menelik II of Ethiopia, Mwanga of Buganda, and many more others. He says those heroes fought colonialism and, as a result, some of their countries – like Ethiopia, were never colonized.
JONATHAN MUVUNYI was 18 when he was injured in 1994. He was hospitalised in Byumba from 1994 to 2008, when he received a house. He adopted three children and his last-born is graduating from university this year.
“I am so happy for my country’s development,” he says, “We got what we fought for.”
He says todays heroism should be shown through development and economic prowess of the country as the war of bullets has been put to an end.
JOHN NDEKEZI, President of the Injured Soldiers of the War, Kibaya Village, says he joined the army in 1991 and got accident while driving at Ruhengeri. However, he says, despite the resultant physical disability which led him to start using a wheelchair, he is well and looking after his two children and three that he adopted.
“We really thank our leadership for always remembering us,” he says, “They didn’t let us beg for food on the street.
“When we were fighting during the war we had the right cause of ending refugee hood, seclusion, and ethnic division among other bad governance practices. Though, this meant that our brothers attacked Rwanda as a result of the need to end the dictatorial regime, on a positive note all that we were fighting for was achieved. Therefore, we have no regrets for losing the physical fitness of our bodies while liberating the country,” he says.
