President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has directed the Ministry of Finance to compensate the families of students who were killed in the 1998 Kichwamba Technical College attack by Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists.
The President authorized an ex gratia payment of UGX 15 million to each affected family, despite legal limitations on claims due to the passage of time.
In a letter addressed to Finance Minister Matia Kasaija, Museveni stated, “I use my powers as President to approve an ex-gratia payment to the families.
Each should be paid UGX 15 million, given the long time since the incident happened. The Ministry of Finance should budget for this money.”
The directive follows a letter received in July 2024 regarding concerns about compensation. While the Attorney General had pointed out that the statute of limitations had expired, Museveni overruled this on humanitarian grounds.
The compensation will benefit the families of 80 students who were brutally murdered when ADF rebels attacked Kichwamba Technical College in Kabarole District on June 8, 1998.
During the attack, the insurgents set dormitories on fire, burning students alive, and abducted more than 100 others. The massacre remains one of the darkest chapters in Uganda’s history.
A Historical Perspective: The 1998 Kichwamba Attack and Its Aftermath
At the time of the Kichwamba massacre, Col. (Rtd) Steven Basaliza was a serving officer in the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).
Following the attack, he played a pivotal role in mobilizing civilians alongside the UPDF to eliminate ADF insurgents. His leadership in securing the region earned him widespread recognition and respect from the community.
Due to public demand, Basaliza was persuaded to join politics, and in 2001, he was elected as the Member of Parliament for Burahya County. He became popularly known as “OMUDUMII” (Commander) for his decisive leadership in the fight against terrorism.
Former MP Commends President’s Directive
Hon. Col. (Rtd) Steven Basaliza has expressed his gratitude to President Museveni for his decision to compensate the affected families. “Do you know how concerned I was? The President has finally acted. As a former MP at the time, I salute His Excellency for this and for hearing our request,” he said.
Basaliza also thanked the President for his intervention in another ADF-related incident. “I also thank him for replacing the truck that was burnt by the ADF after I requested it at the NRM National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Kyankwanzi in 2005 when I was MP for Burahya,” Basaliza added.
The lorry, provided by President Museveni in 2005, has played a critical role in ensuring the safety and functionality of Uganda Technical College Kichwamba. Since the attack, the institution has had a continuous security presence, with the UPDF maintaining a protective role.
Transformation of Uganda Technical College Kichwamba
Over the years, Uganda Technical College Kichwamba has undergone significant transformation. Under the leadership of former Ministers of Education, Hon. Jessica Alupo and later First Lady Hon. Janet Museveni, the institution has received infrastructural upgrades, modern equipment, and improved academic programs.
There is now growing anticipation that Uganda Technical College Kichwamba could soon transition into a full-fledged university, further cementing its role as a leading technical institution in the country.
Implementation of the President’s Directive
The President’s letter was copied to the Vice President, Prime Minister, Minister of Education, Attorney General, and Members of Parliament from the Tooro-Rwenzori region.
The Ministry of Finance is now expected to work on the implementation of the directive, ensuring that the funds are allocated and disbursed to the affected families.
