Over a hundred businessmen and women who suffered injuries and losses during the Kony insurgency, which ravaged the region from 1996 to the early 2000s, have converged on the State Lodge in Mvara village, Arua City. These individuals, who lost relatives and merchandise during the conflict, have rallied under the banner of the Kony War Victims Association, demanding compensation from the government, totaling approximately 99 billion Ugandan Shillings.
The association, comprised of 1102 victims, has escalated its calls for restitution, citing the devastating impact of the insurgency on their lives. Alemiru Constance, one of the victims, shared her harrowing experience. She recounted the horrors of September 19, 2002, when the bus she was traveling in was set ablaze by rebel forces, resulting in the tragic loss of her entire family.
"I still have bomb fragments in my head. I can't carry anything on my head, nor can I plait my hair. In that attack, I lost my husband and a 3-year-old child. Up to now, they don't have graves. I was also pregnant and lost the baby. I want the government to pay me. I lost my merchandise as I was coming from Kiyindi to get 'Mukene,'" she stated.
Frustrated by the government's perceived inaction in addressing their grievances, the victims took their case to court after years of fruitless efforts. However, in May 2021, they withdrew their lawsuit. Since then, they have issued ultimatums and even gone on hunger strikes to underscore the urgency of their plight. Sam Ondoma, their legal representative from Alaka and Co. Advocates, warned that they would return to court if their demands continue to be ignored.
"My clients have done everything they were told to do. That's why you see these responses. For example, on June 6, 2023, the team wrote to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, demanding a response regarding the claim. Sadly, the Permanent Secretary has not replied to the letter. Even the Speaker of Parliament wrote in vain," Ondoma stated.
Matua Alex, the chairman of the Kony War Victims Association, expressed the dire situation the victims find themselves in. He mentioned that, out of sheer frustration, some of their members have resorted to committing suicide, while others have succumbed to the overwhelming stress. Economic hardship continues to plague them, leading them to the brink.
"We were told to form an association in order to be compensated, but out of the 1102 people, more than 100 have died before receiving what the government owes them," Matua lamented.
The victims remain steadfast in their pursuit of compensation, urging the government to acknowledge their suffering and provide the restitution they desperately need to rebuild their lives. As the Kony War Victims Association presses on with its demands, the eyes of the nation are on Arua City, waiting to see if the government will respond to their plea for justice and closure.
