Acholi, Lango and Teso war debt claimants form association to pursue compensation

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People who lost livestock and property in Acholi, Lango, and Teso over 20 years of the LRA insurgency have formed a unified regional group to strengthen their efforts in pursuing compensation from the government.

Representatives from the three regions initially formed the Greater North War Debt Claimants Association.

Last year, this body was restructured and renamed the Greater North United War Debt Claimants Association.

According to the group’s coordinator, Moses Ogwang Adonyo, research conducted by the association indicates that they can file a case over cattle losses against the government at the International Court of Justice, potentially through jurisdictions such as South Africa, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

He explained that uniting as one body will help protect members from intimidation and interference by local authorities.

The group also expressed a lack of trust in Uganda’s court system, arguing that it is difficult to rely on its rulings being respected or enforced.

So far, members in Lango have raised over sh9 million, while those in Teso have collected more than sh27 million to support legal action.

Claimants in Acholi are expected to begin fundraising soon to contribute to the effort.

During a meeting with leaders from Acholi districts held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Gulu City, Saidi Ogwang, chairperson of the Lango Cattle Claimants Association, accused Members of Parliament of contributing to delays in government compensation.

Julius Oleke, vice chairperson of the Greater North United War Debt Claimants Association and chairperson of the Acholi War Debt Claimants Association, said the decision to unite was aimed at strengthening their pursuit of cattle compensation.

Records show that Acholi has 21,266 registered claimants, Lango has 69,475, and Teso has 134,502.