President Museveni has announced a Shs26 billion resettlement package to support former rebel fighters from Uganda’s West Nile region.
The initiative seeks to help them rebuild their lives and bring closure to a troubled chapter in the country’s history.
Speaking during the Peace Day celebrations in Yumbe District, Museveni declared that the funds would be disbursed in phases, Shs1 billion will be released immediately, followed by Shs13 billion in the next financial year and the final Shs12 billion the year after.
“Some people think we forgot about these fighters, but that’s not true. We just couldn’t do everything at once. There’s a time for everything, and now is their time,” president Museveni said
The package is directed at former fighters from the Uganda National Rescue Front I (UNRF I) and UNRF II across 12 districts, including Arua, Koboko, Yumbe, and Adjumani. Though many laid down their arms decades ago after peace agreements, they have lived in poverty, feeling overlooked by the state.
The roots of this conflict date back to 1979 when President Idi Amin was overthrown. Soldiers loyal to him, mainly from West Nile, later formed rebel movements such as the UNRF and West Nile Bank Front (WNBF), accusing the post-Amin governments of marginalization and persecution. Years of armed rebellion followed, destabilizing the region.
By the late 1990s, most rebels had either surrendered or been defeated. Since then, the government has taken steps to reintegrate them into society, though progress has been slow.
At the Yumbe event, former Inspector General of Police, Gen. Edward Kale Kayihura, reflected on the long path to peace.
“Some thought peace was impossible, but today we enjoy the fruits of that struggle. Sadly, some ex-combatants have passed on without seeing this day,” he said
While celebrating 23 years of peace under the theme “Uniting West Nile for Socio-Economic Transformation,” security officials also sounded caution.
Lt. Gen. Charles Okidi, representing Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, noted that while Uganda is prepared to defend itself against external threats, internal communal conflicts particularly between Adjumani and Amuru districts remain a serious concern.
“These clashes are primitive and must stop,” he said, urging swift intervention to prevent further unrest.
Defence Minister Jacob Markson Oboth-Oboth advised the beneficiaries to use the resettlement funds prudently. “Use it wisely to develop yourselves and your communities,” he said, reminding them, “The money is a gesture of goodwill, not a right.”
Minister of State for Defence Huda Abason Oleru, who was instrumental in pushing for the package, reaffirmed the government’s dedication to former combatants. “We want lasting peace in West Nile,” she emphasized.
For many ex-fighters, this support could mean an opportunity to start small businesses, purchase land, or educate their children offering a path out of poverty and reducing the risk of renewed conflict.
