Northern Uganda: In response to the escalating cattle raids conducted by suspected Karimojong warriors in Northern Uganda, the government has announced a significant allocation of funds to compensate victims and provide relief to the affected communities.
President Museveni revealed that the matter had been presented before Cabinet, where it was decided that each family of individuals killed by the rustlers would receive both food relief and monetary compensation. Additionally, those who were injured during the attacks would each be granted Shs1 million. The devastating situation has also led to abandoned schools and disrupted farming activities, raising concerns about a potential famine in the region.
State Minister for Northern Uganda, Ms. Grace Freedom Kwiyocwiny, disclosed that the government would require at least Shs1 trillion to compensate victims of the ongoing cattle raids. Her ministry’s plan involves compensating the families of those killed during the raids, and individuals who lost their livestock, as well as providing iron sheets for those whose houses were destroyed. The proposed budget has been submitted to President Museveni for approval.
“We have seen many people lose their lives, sustain injuries, and suffer property damage in Agago and Kitgum districts due to these raids, and the President is committed to providing compensation,” stated Ms. Kwiyocwiny. She also emphasized the importance of using iron sheets to rebuild better structures and encouraged local communities to assist their fellow residents, especially the elderly, in rebuilding their homes.
Over the past two years, Karimojong warriors have intensified their raids in the East Acholi districts of Agago and Kitgum, resulting in significant displacement of residents. More than 700 people in Agago are currently internally displaced due to the frequent cattle raids.
Earlier this year, President Museveni assured Acholi leaders and security officials that the government would take steps to compensate victims of these cattle raids. The compensation package includes food relief and monetary support for the families of those killed, as well as financial aid for the injured.
In Agago alone, 41 people have lost their lives this year, with numerous others sustaining injuries or being displaced as a result of cattle rustlers’ activities. The ongoing crisis has also forced the abandonment of schools and disrupted agricultural activities, causing concerns about the potential for famine in the region.
President Museveni has additionally announced that displaced individuals in Lamwo, Kitgum, and Agago will receive relief items to alleviate their suffering. Furthermore, the government plans to provide free primary education to school-going children who have been unable to resume their studies due to the unrest, a measure aimed at ensuring educational continuity until the situation stabilizes.
Ms. Kwiyocwiny reported that iron sheets have already been distributed to 40 affected households in Agago and eight families in Kitgum whose homes were destroyed during the raids.
Statistics from leaders in East Acholi indicate that in 2022, at least 24 people fell victim to raiders, with 938 animals stolen and never recovered in Agago. In Kitgum, the numbers were equally concerning, with at least 1,032 goats and 501 cattle stolen in 2022 alone, underscoring the urgent need for intervention in the region.
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