Museveni Orders Expedited Payment to West Nile War Claimants

President Yoweri Museveni has directed the Attorney General Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja to expedite payments to war claimants in West Nile.

There are currently 1,001 verified members of Kony War victims in West Nile who lost lives, property, or sustained permanent injuries during ambushes along the Karuma-Pakwach road between 1993 and 1997. 

These members are claiming UGX 99 billion in compensation from the government. Similarly, victims of the Ombaci massacre on June 21, 1981, which claimed the lives of 98 civilians, include over 100 members seeking more than UGX 3 billion in compensation.

In two separate letters dated October 27, addressed to the Attorney General regarding the Ombaci War Claimants and to the Prime Minister on compensation for the Kony War victims, the President directed the two offices to work with relevant ministries to expedite the payments.While presenting the letters to the claimants, Geofrey Feta, Chairman of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus and MP for Ayivu East in Arua City, noted that the claimants have waited a long time for compensation and called for swift government action.

Meanwhile, Sam Ondoma, the lawyer representing the Kony War and Ombaci Massacre claimants, said the funds will supplement government efforts to improve household incomes. He called for a speedy verification process and immediate payment, emphasizing that the disbursement is long overdue.

Alex Matua, Chairperson for the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) War victims, applauded the President for responding to their longstanding plea. He noted that the delay has spanned over 20 years, with several members now deceased.

Two months ago, members of the War Claimants had vowed to mobilize support for opposition candidates in all elective positions if the government did not address their compensation demands before the January general elections.