Leaders in Arua and across West Nile have expressed concern over what they describe as President Museveni’s silence on critical regional issues requiring his intervention ahead of the next general elections. During his campaign tour in West Nile two weeks ago, leaders emphasized to Museveni the urgent need for compensation for victims of the 1993–1997 Kony War and the 1981 Ombaci Massacre, alongside other development interventions.
In 1981, nearly 100 civilians were killed and buried in a mass grave at Ombaci Comboni Mission quarters while seeking refuge from Tito Okello Lutwa’s rebels. During the Kony War, over 1,000 businessmen and women across West Nile suffered attacks by the LRA under Joseph Kony, with dozens killed in ambushes along the Karuma–Pakwach route and property worth billions of shillings destroyed. Despite years of appeals, the victims have yet to receive compensation.
During a campaign rally at Golf Grounds in Arua City, Bakoko Bakoru, the NRM Arua City chairperson, reminded the President to fulfill his commitment to compensating the war victims, a sentiment echoed by other regional leaders.
However, President Museveni has remained silent on these matters, leaving claimants and leaders astonished. Boniface Alioni, NRM Arua District chairperson, said prioritizing compensation for Kony War and Ombaci Massacre victims is crucial, noting it could influence NRM votes in the upcoming elections.
Similarly, Samanya Draniga, NRM Koboko District chairman, emphasized that in addition to compensation, the President should respond to other regional demands, including the establishment of the Francis Ayume Faculty of Law under Muni University in Koboko District.
Speaking in Lugbara and English, Alex Matua, chairperson of West Nile Kony War Victims, expressed cautious optimism that the President will eventually address the compensation claims.
Currently, the 1,002 members of the West Nile Kony War Victims spread across all districts are demanding UGX 99 billion, while survivors and relatives of the Ombaci Massacre victims are expecting compensation exceeding UGX 40 billion from the government.
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