The Government of Uganda has disbursed Shs 1 billion to members of the Aringa-Obongi Peace Initiative Committee in recognition of their pivotal role in ending insurgency in West Nile.
The Aringa Obongi Peace Initiative Committee was formed during peace negotiations between the Uganda government and the Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II), led by the late Maj Gen Ali Bamuze.
Speaking today in Yumbe District, the Minister of State for Defence and Veteran Affairs (Veteran Affairs), Hon. Huda Abason Oleru explained that the group had acted as intermediaries during the talks, “carrying letters and messages between the government and rebels,” and had also urged fighters to lay down their arms and return home, playing a significant role in restoring peace in the region.
Hon. Oleru expressed gratitude to President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for fulfilling his pledge of a financial “handshake” by disbursing Shs 1 billion members, saying, “I want to thank the President for being kind, unique, and accommodating.”
She emphasized that this was the final payment for the group, stating that it was the last package the government would offer the Aringa group and other groups like the West Nile Bank Front and that no further claims would be entertained.
On the compensation of the UNRF II, Hon. Oleru observed that out of the over 3,000 pending claims, 364 have been verified and paid, with funds already deposited in their accounts ahead of a formal launch scheduled for tomorrow.
She cautioned the beneficiaries against squandering the money, advising them to use it wisely as capital to start income-generating activities, saying, “Let the money grow. Don’t spend it in a day and return to complaining.”
Olega Ashraf, chairperson of the Aringa Obongi Peace Initiative Committee, recounted their tireless campaign against insurgents, saying, “We campaigned tirelessly against the insurgency until the rebels had no option but to embrace peace talks,” and expressed gratitude to President Museveni for entrusting them with the mandate to engage the rebels despite being labelled collaborators.
He urged fellow beneficiaries to use the funds to combat poverty and improve their livelihoods, saying the money represented their “struggle and sacrifice for peace” and should be used wisely to rebuild their homes and communities.
This effort comes ahead of the Peace Day Celebrations that will be held in Yumbe District tomorrow 12 April 2025.
