Kampala, Uganda – The debate on the Motion for Adoption of the Report of the Government Assurances and Implementation Committee on the Status of the Assurances to Compensate Victims of War and Insurgencies took an emotional turn as Members of Parliament from the Sebei sub-region voiced their frustrations over being left out of the compensation plan.
The government has initiated compensation for victims in Teso, Acholi, and Lango sub-regions, but MPs from Sebei are questioning why their people, who have equally suffered from insurgencies and cattle raids, are not included.
MPs Speak Out on the Exclusion of Sebei
Hon. Twalla Fadil, MP for Tingey County, expressed gratitude for the government’s effort but questioned the criteria used in selecting regions for compensation. He pointed out that Sabiny communities living in Teso, Ngora, and Bukedia were excluded from the plan, despite sharing similar experiences.
“Were they basing on tribe or what criteria was used? Sebei has suffered through all the civil wars in Uganda, but we are always told we will be included in another plan. Are we really part of Uganda?” Hon. Fadil asked.
Hon. Chelangat Solomon Alinga, MP for Too County, reminded Parliament that Sebei was significantly affected during the Lakwena rebellion, yet no compensation has been considered. He highlighted how neighboring communities took advantage of the chaos to raid Sebei, leaving behind devastating poverty.
“Some raiders from Karamoja and Pokot displaced our people. Even now, Sebei remains one of the poorest regions because of these historical injustices. We need affirmative action and compensation for lost properties,” he urged.
Hon. Chemaswet Kisos Abdi Fadil, MP for Soi County, described the issue as “emotive”, revealing that he is a victim of cattle raiding. He recalled how the NRM government, after taking power in 1987, disarmed civilians, leaving them vulnerable to raids.
“Over 50 kraals with more than 200 cows were raided the day after people handed in their guns. Some Sabiny names appear in the Teso compensation list, but they are not being compensated. How do we manage this injustice?” he questioned.
He recounted how the government’s disarmament policy in 1987 left communities vulnerable to raids, resulting in significant losses.
“Our hearts are bleeding. Our people have really suffered,” he said, calling for equitable distribution of resources, including regional referral hospitals, health centers, and ambulances, as part of the compensation process.
Hon. Chemutai Phyllis, Woman MP for Kapchorwa District, emphasized the historical suffering of Sebei, stating that cattle rustling has affected them for over 100 years, with the worst period beginning in the 1920s.
“Every homestead in Sebei has been affected. Even my dowry was stolen the very night my husband brought cows home. My mother never saw them. Compensation should be distributed fairly so that every homestead gets something,” she emotionally recounted.
Hon. Chemonges William, Member of Parliament Kween County, reminded the House that Sebei is still facing fresh cattle raids, even today.
“We still bury victims of cattle raids. Just last month, we buried people in Ngenge. Even when the UPDF recovers stolen cattle, they somehow disappear. How can we talk of compensation when our cows are still being stolen?”
He recalled her protest in 2021 when the attorney general’s initial compensation report excluded Sebei. Although Sebei was later included, He expressed disappointment at the lack of progress in verification and compensation.
“The attorney general should help us and all of us in the house should come up with a plan to compensate the entire country in piecemeal,” he urged.
MPs Demand a Comprehensive Compensation Plan
Sebei MPs rejected the attorney general’s plan to compensate only three sub-regions, calling for a nationwide approach to ensure fairness.
“If the government is serious about justice, compensation should be done in phases across all affected regions. The Sabiny people have suffered for too long,” an MP stated.
The debate now shifts to the government’s next move—will it heed the cries of Sebei, or will the region remain neglected yet again?
The call for fair compensation in Uganda is growing louder. As Parliament deliberates, victims in Sebei are watching closely, hoping their suffering will finally be acknowledged.
Lillian Tendet one of the victims whose animals were recently taken and has been running up and down seeking for justice said that the MPs have done a noble job and requested that, if should be taken to Parliament to also voice her grievance.
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