LIRA CITY
A team of Lango lawmakers has been tasked to lead a high-level delegation to State House to fast-track the long-delayed compensation for war claimants, following a court ruling against the government.
In a harmonization meeting held at Komar Hotel in Lira City on Saturday, stakeholders also voiced strong concerns over political interference and corruption allegedly sabotaging the process. They resolved to send Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, the MP for Kole North and Secretary of the Lango Parliamentary Group, and Julius Achon Bua, the MP for Otuke East, to meet President Yoweri Museveni regarding their compensation.
This followed the President’s promise last month to address the issue after meeting with Lango leaders over the cattle compensation claim.
The meeting further resolved that compensation be made to claimants who sued the government, as per the existing court order, consider non-claimants on a per household basis, provide a verified list of the claimants to the Attorney General for authentication, and called for a thorough audit of existing data cards and beneficiary lists is necessary to ensure transparency.
The Secretary of Tekwaro Lango, Hamza Okello, said the institution is committed to supporting the process, and named Wonyaci Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune as the person who will lead the institution in the repatriation and compensation process.
Speaking on behalf of the Wonyaci, Denish Ekola Abraham, the Deputy Minister for Repatriation and Compensation, said, “As Tekwaro Lango we will work closely with war claimants leaders to ensure a successful process.” He also ensured the claimants that Wonyaci Dr. Eng. Moses Michael Odongo Okune will be among the team leading the delegation to State House.
Dr. Opio Acuti called for “unity, love, and respect” among the Lango people to ensure a successful outcome.
“We must speak with one common voice towards this compensation and put aside our differences,” Dr. Opio stated, assuring attendees he would collaborate closely with district coordinators across the sub-region.
A proportion of the meeting warned that divisive politics is hindering progress. MP Achon Bua cautioned the community against confusion and internal division, urging them to learn from neighboring regions.
“Look at our neighbours in Acholi and Teso. They come together for development and put aside their differences. They are far ahead in their compensation process because of their unity, while Lango is lagging behind due to division,” Achon Bua noted, cautioning politicians against sabotaging the compensation process for personal gain.
“Some may want to turn around and say, ‘If it was not because of us, Lango wouldn’t have been compensated.’ We urge them to stop this divisive politics,” Obua said.
Additionally, Bishop Tom Okello Ibrahim of All Nations called for harmony among Lango for a successful process, asked God to bestow success upon the people, and called for His divine guidance throughout the compensation process.
