During an emotionally charged meeting at Lango College, President Museveni urged the subregion to appoint reliable individuals who can negotiate compensation claims directly with the government, aiming to finally put an end to the dispute. This shift in strategy comes after the existing compensation program, launched in 2022 with a budget of UGX 200 billion, was marred by delays, corruption, and involvement of middlemen.
Museveni emphasized that compensation for war-related losses though rare globally was intended to foster peace and reconciliation in regions like Lango, Acholi, and Teso. So far, the government has disbursed UGX 169 billion in verified claims, but nearly UGX 800 billion is still needed to settle both verified and unverified losses.
Community leaders voiced their concern, reporting that lawyers and intermediaries siphoned off funds, while genuine victims continued to suffer. Otuke District alone allegedly lost UGX 15 billion to such exploitation. Others called for direct household payments instead of bureaucratic processes and backed a shift of oversight from the Attorney General’s office to the Office of the Prime Minister.
In response, the President acknowledged the frustrations and appealed for unity and patience. He also made symbolic pledges a bus for local footballers, grants for the Agong Foundation, and support for traditional institutions to demonstrate goodwill. The Paramount Chief called on government action to provide closure, noting that many claimants had died before receiving compensation.
Takeaway / Call-to-Action:
President Museveni’s proposal for a Lango-led select committee marks a hopeful turning point in resolving this long-standing dispute. It is time for trusted representatives, policymakers, and communities to work together to ensure justice is delivered swiftly and fairly turning compensation into reconciliation, not resentment.