The Honourable Huda Abason Oleru, Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), announced today that the Government of the Republic of Uganda has allocated Uganda Shillings 5.1 billion (Ugx 5.1bn) to compensate 4,901 ex-combatants of the defunct West Nile Bank Front.
This decision follows the approval of funds by the Cabinet on April 25, 2024, to settle the West Nile Bank Front ex-combatants in the current financial year. Additionally, Ugx 21 billion has been allocated to Uganda National Rescue Front I (UNRFI) and other residual individuals from UNRFII, with payments scheduled for the financial year 2024/2025.
The compensation will benefit ex-combatants residing in the districts of Pakwach, Zombo, Nebbi, Madi-Okolo, Arua, Maracha, Terego, Koboko, Yumbe, Obongi, Moyo, and Adjumani.
The recipients of the compensation include various groups such as Uganda National Rescue Front I (UNRFI), Uganda National Rescue Front II led by Maj Gen Ali Bamuze, Uganda National Rescue Front II led by Brig Nasuru Ezaga, and West Nile Bank Front led by Maj Gen Juma Oris Abdallah.
Honourable Oleru explained that while peace agreements were signed with several defunct groups, including UNRFI and residual cases of UNRFII, negotiations with the West Nile Bank Front (WNBF) did not result in a formal agreement. However, the government is now fulfilling its commitment to provide a resettlement package to ex-combatants, excluding UNRFI and residual UNRFII cases.
The official launch of the compensation payment is scheduled for May 8, 2024, in Koboko District.
