Government has clarified the delay to compensate victims of the November-2020 riot that rocked Kampala City and other towns across the country.
The November-2020 riot was conducted by the suspected supporters of National Unity Platform party-NUP protesting the arrest of Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu.
They took on various streets, burnt tyres, and conducted several roadblocks around Kampala city.
In an attempt to neutralize the riot and restore sanity in the city by the security personnel, some people were reportedly shot dead and while others were injured by stray bullets during the operation.
Subsequently, President Yoweri Museveni held a televised address from Mbale regarding the incident where he extended condolences and said the government would compensate the victims.
“I extend condolences to all Ugandans and their families that lost their lives in these senseless riots. The government will compensate all those who were not rioters, but lost life in this confusion. If you are a rioter, we cannot compensate you. No way! And the government will also compensate those who lost their properties, if it can be verified,” President Museveni said.
On Monday, Kiryowa Kiwanuka, the attorney general and chief government legal advisor said the process to have victims compensated by the government is under.
“There is a process currently ongoing to see that these people are compensated, which is part of the justice that they deserve,” AG Kiryowa confirmed.
According to a security report, November 2020 was conducted by a group of criminal gangs who were sponsored by political opportunists and backed by some external elements to execute the long planned scheme.
“They burnt tyres on the roads, mounted illegal roadblocks, robbed Ugandans, beaten people, attacked people wearing NRM uniforms, stoned cars, and stoned security personnel,” The report said.
Kyagulanyi was arrested by the police while addressing a mini-rally at Luuka district headquarters for allegedly violating the then COVID19 standards operating procedures that had banned candidates from holding processions, and public rallies.
According to a 86 page report released by the Police Criminal Investigation Department, some 38 victims were killed by “stray bullets”, 8 were named as “rioters” and one knocked by a vehicle while LDUs killed 2, adding to 49.