Museveni approves ex-gratia payments for war victims in West Nile
Some of the Arua Konyi war victims showing bullet wounds they sustained during the LRA insurgency.
ARUA — President Yoweri Museveni has approved ex-gratia payments for victims of conflict in the West Nile region, including survivors of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) insurgency led by Joseph Kony and the 1981 Ombaci massacre.
In separate letters dated October 27, 2025, the President directed the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. Robinah Nabbanja, and the Attorney General to coordinate with relevant ministries to verify claimants and expedite the payments.
“It has been brought to my attention that Kony war victims in West Nile who lost businesses, had vehicles burnt, property destroyed, etc., have never received any compensation from the government,” President Museveni wrote in his letter to the Prime Minister.
“Although it is not logical for the government to take responsibility for actions that occurred during wars or insurgencies, these victims can be considered for ex-gratia payments. Such payments will supplement other government efforts aimed at improving household incomes,” he added.
The President instructed the Prime Minister to work closely with the Office of the Attorney General, the Ministry of Defence, and the Ministry of Finance, Planning and Economic Development to verify the claimants and process the payments without delay.
In a separate directive, the President instructed the Attorney General to ensure that victims and survivors of the Ombaci massacre also receive ex-gratia compensation.
The presidential directives follow persistent advocacy by Geofrey Feta, the Member of Parliament for Ayivu East Division, who had written several letters urging the government to compensate the affected individuals.
On Sunday, while handing over the President’s letters to victims and survivors at the Ayivu Division Headquarters in Onduparaka, Hon. Feta expressed gratitude to President Museveni for responding positively to his appeals.
“Today, I have delivered two important letters from the President. One addresses the victims and survivors of the Ombaci massacre in Arua, which also covers the massacres at Ringili Theological College and Ondramacaku. This relates to the tragic events of June 24, 1981, at Ombaci Mission, where 96 people were killed and buried in a mass grave,” Feta said.
“For many years, we have humbly sought compensation for these victims and survivors. I am pleased to announce that after nearly four years of consistent engagement with the government, the President has finally directed that they receive ex-gratia payments,” he added.
Feta also highlighted long-standing appeals for compensation for victims of the Kony war, particularly members of the business community and travellers along the Arua–Karuma–Kampala road who suffered immense losses.
“Together with members of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus, we have repeatedly raised this issue. In response, the President has written to the Prime Minister, instructing her to coordinate with relevant ministries to ensure Kony war victims are compensated,” Feta said.
He urged authorities to expedite the verification process so that payments can be made as soon as possible.
Samuel Ondoma of Alaka and Company Advocates, the lawyer representing the Kony war victims, also welcomed the President’s directive.
“We are deeply grateful to His Excellency the President for this long-awaited decision. After nearly 20 years of waiting, our clients can finally see hope that compensation is on the way,” Ondoma said.
He particularly commended Hon. Geofrey Feta for his relentless follow-up, noting that the MP had written three letters on the matter and consistently raised it in State House engagements and other high-level forums.
Ondoma also acknowledged the contributions of other lawmakers, including Hon. Zoe Bakoko Bakoru, Hon. Atiku Bernard, and Hon. Osoru, among others who supported the cause.
The approved ex-gratia payments are expected to bring relief to hundreds of families in West Nile who have waited decades for acknowledgment and support following the devastating impact of conflict in the region. Alex Matua, the chairperson of the Arua Kony war victim’s association was happy to receive President Museveni’s letter concerning their payment, saying many of his members have died waiting for the money.