Govt to compensate over 900 Barlonyo Massacre victims
Dr Omona revealed that a group of victims had initially taken legal action against the government but withdrew their case following the intervention of area Woman MP, Christine Akello, opting for a negotiated settlement instead.
President Museveni and his officials soon after laying wreath at Barlonyo Massacre Memorial Monument. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
NewVision Reporter
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LIRA – The Ugandan government has agreed to compensate victims of the Barlonyo massacre through an out-of-court settlement, bringing long-awaited relief to affected families. The Minister of Northern Uganda Rehabilitation, Dr Kenneth Omona, announced the decision, marking a significant step towards justice and reconciliation.
Speaking at the Barlonyo Massacre Site, Dr Omona revealed that a group of victims had initially taken legal action against the government but withdrew their case following the intervention of area Woman MP, Christine Akello, opting for a negotiated settlement instead.
Dr Kenneth Omona revealed that 973 IDPs were massacred at Barlonyo. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
Dr Omona was briefing President Yoweri Museveni who was on the last leg of his four days tour of Lango sub-region.
A total of 973 victims were identified and verified by security agencies, and the Attorney General has approved compensation of sh20m per family. This comes to about sh19.64b
This decision comes amid a long-standing dispute over the actual number of casualties. Government records state that 121 people were killed, while local leaders maintain that more than 500 lost their lives in the February 21, 2004, massacre by Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels.
Dr Omona commended President Museveni and the NRM government for restoring peace to Northern Uganda, highlighting the region’s shift towards economic recovery.
“This place is transforming, and the biggest battle we now face is against poverty and income insecurity,” he said.
President Museveni pose for photo with some UPC elders who decided to cross to NRM. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
Mobilisation efforts are underway to rebuild lives and create wealth, in collaboration with Operation Wealth Creation (OWC) and the Ministry of Agriculture.
MP Akello, praised President Museveni for honouring government pledge to the people of Barlonyo. She highlighted key government projects in the area, including the construction of a bridge connecting Barlonyo to Otuke, the establishment of a Health Centre III, and the development of a technical institute.
Government Chief Whip, Denis Hamson Obua, lauded the president for his dedication to the Lango sub-region, advocating for wealth creation and development.
“We thank you, Your Excellency, for your commitment to uplifting the people of Northern Uganda. Your efforts have not gone unnoticed,” he said.
President Museveni lays a wreath at Barlonyo Massacre Memorial site. (Credit: Hudson Apunyo)
President Museveni reiterated the government’s commitment to national security and economic transformation, urging residents to embrace commercial agriculture, poultry, piggery, and fish farming. He stressed that infrastructure development alone is insufficient, and individuals must take personal responsibility for wealth creation.
To support economic growth, the president donated sh50m each to the NRM leaders’ SACCO and the veterans’ SACCO, ensuring that local communities have access to financial resources for business and agricultural initiatives.
With the compensation process now set in motion, the people of Barlonyo can look forward to long-overdue recognition of their suffering and a step towards healing and rebuilding their lives.