Lira City, Uganda – Lango war claimants have officially called off a peaceful demonstration that was scheduled for Monday, 22nd September 2025. The protest was initially intended to express grievances over their exclusion from the list of 20 delegates set to meet H.E. the President of the Republic of Uganda regarding the long-standing issue of cattle restocking.
In a joint media briefing chaired by Government Chief Whip (GCW) Hon. Denis Hamson Obua on Sunday, 21st September 2025, at Tasha Hotel in Lira City, five key resolutions were reached. The meeting was attended by 15 representatives of the Lango War Claimants, the 5th Infantry Division Commander Maj. Gen. Keith Katungyi, and Col. Ogwang Odyero.
The meeting was described as peaceful and constructive, with Hon. Obua emphasizing the government’s commitment to a fair and inclusive compensation process.
The Lango War Claimants, led by Sam Obua, Eng. Mike Apita, Onyheko Godfrey, Ogwang Moses Adonyo, and Dickens, pledged full support for the government’s revised cattle restocking program, which provides five cattle per household.
Following the high-level meeting, the war claimants unanimously agreed to cancel the planned demonstration. They received assurance that they would have a direct audience with the President to address their concerns.
The meeting, which also included security officials and representatives of the Lango Paramount Chief (Wonyaci), Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune, aimed to resolve long-standing grievances related to the loss of livestock during the Lord’s Resistance Army insurgency and raids by Karimojong cattle rustlers.
Hon. Denis Hamson Obua stated:
“The leaders of the Lango War Claimants decided to call off the planned demonstration due to concerns over mismanagement and misrepresentation in the compensation process. I can confirm that the resolutions were reached in a spirit of unity and a desire for progress.”
Eng. Mike Apita Fred, representing the Lango War Claimants Association, commended President Museveni for his willingness to engage directly with the claimants. The meeting was seen as a crucial step toward resolving long-standing disputes and a de-escalation of tensions in the region.
The five resolutions included:
- A request to meet with the President to discuss outstanding issues related to cattle compensation.
- Support for the amended list of the Lango Presidential Cattle Restocking and Rehabilitation Committee.
- A call to identify, expose, investigate, arrest, and prosecute individuals or groups who defrauded the government and Lango community of compensation funds.
- A commitment to continue engaging through dialogue.
- Suspension of all planned demonstrations to allow room for peaceful engagement with government stakeholders.
The anticipated meeting with the President is now considered the next critical step in resolving the matter and securing justice for the thousands of affected Lango claimants.
