🔊 Kony war victims in West Nile to be compensated

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President Yoweri Museveni has written to several ministries, including the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, directing them to consider paying ex gratia to the West Nile Kony War victims and the families of those killed in the Ombaci, Muni, Odramacaku and Ringili massacres.

The letter, which was addressed to the Office of the Prime Minister and copied to other leaders, including Ayivu Division East Member of Parliament Geoffrey Feta, follows the MP’s strong advocacy for the victims during the President’s recent state visit to the region.

The directive instructs government to identify funds to compensate the affected individuals and their families through ex gratia.

While addressing the West Nile Kony War Victims in Onduparaka at the Ayivu Division headquarters recently, Geoffrey Feta said the payment would supplement other government interventions aimed at improving the household incomes of the victims.

Sam Ondoma, the legal officer representing the Kony War Victims in West Nile, appealed to all individuals whose names have already been verified by the Office of the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence to ensure that they have their evidence ready for the final verification exercises.

Ondoma also warned individuals who frequently bring forward conflicting lists, saying such actions disrupt the progress that has already been made regarding compensation.

This development means that those affected in greater Arua, the West Nile Kony War Victims and those in Moyo, Adjumani and Obongi will be considered together for simplified and efficient payment.