The legislators from north-eastern Uganda have tasked the government with prioritizing livestock compensation payments for war claimants who have successfully sued the government over the years.
On Wednesday, April 3, 2024, during the plenary session in Parliament, the legislators told the government to first pay claimants from the Lango, Teso, West-Nile, and Acholi sub regions who had been awarded by the court before embarking on the mass compensation of everyone.
Linda Auma, the Lira District Woman Member of Parliament, said the government should first resolve the payment of war claimants under specific court cases from the affected regions instead of conducting general payments.
MP Auma questioned why AG Kiryowa Kiwanuka has misadvised the President against the idea of prioritizing payment for war claimants who went to court.
“These were matters arising from different court cases with a specific number of claimants; it is improper to pay everyone who lost livestock, irrespective. We know the government is currently financially unstable to pay all the claimants; therefore, it is important to first pay those who went to court,” said Auma.
MP Jonathan Ebwalu of Soroti City West further asserted that the government should first pay claimants who went to court.
He questioned why AG Kiwanuka is adamant about ensuring that claimants from the affected regions are fully paid.
Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, advised AG Kiwanuka to present the matter to cabinet for a proper solution.
He adds that Prime Minister Robina Nabbanja has also been directed to present a detailed report on the matter in the next three weeks.
MP Jimmy Akena of Lira City East argued that parliament should appropriate realistic funds that can cater for many claimants to pay for all the compensations arising from court cases in the three regions.
The meeting stemmed from the Tuesday Parliamentary directive to the Attorney General to engage with the local leaders from the affected region.
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