By Nathan Eyagu 

Ngora District – As the Ugandan government intensifies efforts to compensate war debt claimants, hundreds of residents in Ngora District have shared stories of both success and frustration.

The compensation program, aimed at settling debts arising from the loss of livestock and property during past conflicts, has so far benefited 1,005 individuals in Ngora. However, delays, account issues, and exclusion have left many still awaiting their turn.

Among those who have benefited is Mukama, an elderly man from Kapir Subcounty, who received UGX 30 million. His payment, however, was delayed due to account errors, highlighting a recurring challenge faced by many claimants.

Egiripasion Emuron from Kobwin Subcounty had a similar experience. He was initially told to reopen his bank account and later received UGX 2 million, but when he visited the bank, he was informed the money was not available, leaving him in limbo.

Others have successfully received their compensation and used it to improve their lives, Apolon Adyaka Edward Oriagi, also from Kobwin, was compensated in three phases with a total of UGX 5.25 million for the loss of 43 cows.

“I used part of the funds to support my child’s education at Makerere University”, he said.

Meanwhile, Opupe Moses Fredrick of Mukura Town Council received UGX 94 million in four payments for a claim involving 91 cows.

“I used part of the money to pay bride price, five cows and UGX 800,000, to marry my wife,” he said.

He also built solar-powered houses and bought over 20 cows. He expressed gratitude to the government, noting he was never asked for any kickbacks throughout the process.

However, not all claimants have been as fortunate. Magret Arionget Lima from Ngora has never received any payment, despite having clear documentation for 45 cows. Her story is a reminder of the gaps still present in the compensation process.

Claimants have been urged to register under the Teso Animal and Property Compensation (TAPCO) lists, managed under the guidance of Papa Imodot Papyrus, Julius Ochen, and Hon. Elijah Okupa.

According to the Ministry of Justice, this step is essential for those who wish to benefit from the government’s compensation program.

A recent stakeholder meeting, led by Mr. Augustine Otuko, Private Secretary to the President in charge of Political Affairs, brought together government officials and local leaders to assess the progress and address challenges in the compensation rollout.

Otuko emphasized the need for beneficiaries to maintain active and accurate bank accounts. “The government cannot release all funds at once,” he explained.

“We disburse according to the available resources. Claimants must keep their account details updated.”

In Ngora alone, 360 people received partial payments while only 13 were fully compensated, amounting to UGX 1.2 billion. Still, over 100 eligible claimants missed out, often due to dormant or closed accounts.

The Attorney General noted that more than UGX 2.8 billion in disbursed funds bounced due to such issues.

Nationwide, the government has so far paid out UGX 135 Billion to 35,037 war debt claimants across 27 districts. Teso region received UGX 55 billion, with Ngora District alone allocated UGX 44 billion.

As payments continue, government officials are urging patience and transparency, promising to resolve existing hurdles and ensure no rightful claimant is left behind.