For the first time in decades, the Ugandan government has agreed to compensate victims of the West Nile conflict and the Ombaci Massacre, raising hope for thousands of families who have waited for justice since the 1980s.
President Yoweri Museveni has directed Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja and the Attorney General to start a coordinated process to identify victims and ensure they receive ex-gratia payments. The directive marks a major shift after years of silence, stalled promises and long legal battles.
Victims Have Waited More Than 40 Years
The West Nile region suffered heavily during the conflicts involving the Uganda National Liberation Army (UNLA), rebel groups, and later the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA). Many families lost relatives, property and livelihoods.
One of the darkest moments was the Ombaci Massacre of 1981, where hundreds of civilians, including students and missionaries, were killed by government forces at Ombaci College in Arua District. Survivors and families have repeatedly appealed for recognition and compensation, with little progress.
Church leaders such as Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama have long called for healing, justice and support for victims. In 2016, he blessed the graves of massacre victims, urging the government not to forget them.
Government to Compile Final List of Beneficiaries
According to officials familiar with the new directive, the government will now:
verify lists of victims from both the West Nile conflict and the Ombaci Massacre
work with local leaders, churches and survivor groups
determine the level of support each family will receive
create a clear payment schedule
This is the first time the President has given a formal, written order for compensation.
A Step Toward National Healing
Leaders in West Nile say the move offers long-awaited recognition of the suffering the region endured.
Human rights activists note that compensation alone cannot restore lost lives, but it can help restore dignity and rebuild trust between communities and the State.
For many families, some of whom still live with physical and emotional trauma, the directive finally brings hope that justice—though delayed—may be delivered.
