Family & Parenting
Govt to verify, compensate families of soldiers who died in Somalia
"I am happy to report that the African Union and our partners have since supported the Government of Uganda to pay our people."
Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja says the government engaged the African Union and international partners to resolve delays in payments. (Credit: Parliament of Uganda)
By: John Odyek, Journalist @New Vision
Government will verify and process compensation for families of Ugandan soldiers who died while serving in Somalia, Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja has told Parliament.
Nabbanja made the commitment during the Prime Minister's Question Time on Thursday, during a sitting was chaired by Deputy Speaker of Parliament Thomas Tayebwa.
She was responding to concerns raised by Kilak South County MP Gilbert Olanya over delayed payment of arrears and compensation for Ugandan troops who served under the African Union Mission in Somalia (AMISOM).
Olanya said many Ugandan soldiers had served diligently in Somalia, but some returned home without receiving their full entitlements while others lost their lives in the line of duty.
"We have our sons and daughters who work diligently in Somalia. Others are brought back. Unfortunately, others were killed. I would like to know the government plan in paying the arrears of those ones who were not paid from Somalia up to now."
In response, Nabbanja said the government had engaged the African Union and international partners to resolve delays in payments.
"We have our sons and daughters who work diligently in Somalia. Others are brought back. Unfortunately, others were killed. I would like to know the government plan in paying the arrears of those ones who were not paid from Somalia up to now."
In response, Nabbanja said the government had engaged the African Union and international partners to resolve delays in payments.
"In February this year, I was delegated by the President to go to Ethiopia to meet the African Union because, as you are aware, we had taken a long period of time when our soldiers were not being paid," she said.
She said the engagement yielded positive results, enabling government to clear outstanding payments owed to the soldiers.
"I am happy to report that the African Union and our partners have since supported the Government of Uganda to pay our people."
Nabbanja, however, asked Parliament to submit details of soldiers who died while serving in Somalia so that their next of kin could be compensated.
"I would like to get the names of those people who were affected, especially those who died while on duty, so that the process of compensation can be done properly."
She said the engagement yielded positive results, enabling government to clear outstanding payments owed to the soldiers.
"I am happy to report that the African Union and our partners have since supported the Government of Uganda to pay our people."
Nabbanja, however, asked Parliament to submit details of soldiers who died while serving in Somalia so that their next of kin could be compensated.
"I would like to get the names of those people who were affected, especially those who died while on duty, so that the process of compensation can be done properly."