Lakwena wants cash

Jun 17, 2005

Former Ugandan rebel leader Alice Lakwena is demanding Ksh12m (Ush240m) from the Uganda government before she can return home.

By Alfred Wasike
and Agencies

Former Ugandan rebel leader Alice Lakwena is demanding Ksh12m (Ush240m) from the Uganda government before she can return home.

On May 28, 2004, Lakwena received US$50,000 (sh100m) and a satellite phone from President Yoweri Museveni as facilitation for her return from exile, Sunday Vision reported on June 6, 2004.

An Acholi elder, Rwot Francis Oryang, said then that Lakwena had got the President’s offer.

“It is true Alice had asked for some money to assist her. The Government responded positively and some facilitation was given,” he said.

Yesterday, the Nation newspaper said Lakwena, speaking on telephone from Dadaab camp in northeastern Kenya, said her altar was destroyed and 3,000 animals driven away by Uganda government forces.

“I want to go home,” she said repeatedly, before handing the phone over to her aide, Benson Olaro Ker, who spelt out the demands.

Lakwena reportedly wants the money as compensation for the plunder of her homeland in Kitgum, northern Uganda.

Uganda’s internal affairs minister Dr Ruhakana Rugunda said Lakwena was “welcome to return home”, but was not clear about her compensation demands.

“In a war situation, people lose their lives and property. Many Ugandans lost their lives in the war and they were not compensated. Lakwena is welcome back home and we shall assist her resettle,” Rugunda said.

Lakwena, who led the Holy Spirit Movement, a rag-tag army of stone-wielding youth against the Government in 1986. was defeated in 1988 in Iganga district.
The Nation said Lakwena is considered an influential force who could help end the 19-year-old war in northern Uganda.
“If her presence will reassure other rebels that they can return home, then her return will send a positive message to others,” Rugunda said.

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