Okidi Patrick, Obongi – Ex-combatants of the West Nile Bank Front (WNBF) rebels in Obongi District have called off their strike after meeting with the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Obongi, Samuel Mpimbaza Hashaka, on Friday.
The ex-combatants, who were previously rebels under the WNBF, had been demonstrating over ex-gratia payments pledged by H.E. President Gen. Yoweri Museveni and approved by Parliament.
Last month, the Minister of Defence, Hon. Oboth Oboth Jacobs, launched the exercise of paying all ex-combatants in West Nile at Koboko District. Out of over 200 ex-combatants in Obongi District, only 16 have been paid.
The former rebels surrounded the Obongi RDC Hashaka, demanding to know why they had not been paid up to now. They threatened to go on a hunger strike and sleep at Obongi District headquarters if their demands were not met.
They also praised RDC Hashaka Samuel Mpimbaza as a real fighter against corruption, adding that he ensures the rights of the marginalized are respected.
After consulting the Minister of State for Veterans, Hon. Huda Oleru, and the spokesperson for Veterans Affairs, Mr. Mweru Samuel, the RDC addressed the veterans, assuring them about their payments and urging them to remain calm as the government of Uganda is committed to solving their problem soon.
The veterans called off the demonstration and resolved to form a SACCO to fight against poverty.
The ex-rebels vowed to mobilize for President Museveni as the presidential candidate in 2026, stating that he is the only one with a vision and capability to lead the country.
