Former rebels from the West Nile Bank Front (WNBF) have received over a UGX 5 billion resettlement package from the government.
During the launch of the commencement of payments to over 4,901 former combatants at Koboko District Headquarters on May 8, 2024, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth, urged the people of West Nile to embrace reconciliation as a form of justice, enabling former combatants to contribute positively to their communities and promote social cohesion.
Minister Oboth-Oboth cautioned that the resettlement package is not an entitlement or a business opportunity.
He further said that the gesture is a fulfilment of the President and Commander-in-Chief’s pledge to the people of West Nile, marking a significant milestone in the pacification of the region and the resettlement of former combatants into civilian life.
Huda Oleru Abason, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs, thanked the former combatants for voluntarily laying down their arms at Kerila, Yumbe District, which marked a symbolic turning point in ending insurgencies in the region.
“The West Nile sub-region suffered immensely following the fall of the Idi Amin regime in 1979, with many rebels going into exile, leading to insurgencies that continued into the post-1986 liberation period,” Minister Oleru reminded the gathering.
The Chairperson of the West Nile Parliamentary Caucus, Charles Ayume, who was also present at the launch, thanked President Museveni for his efforts to pacify the country.
The launch was also attended by several officials and staff from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Members of Parliament, Resident District Commissioners, District Chairpersons, senior officers, and other leaders from the West Nile region.
