🔊West Nile Bank Front ex-combatants receive sh5.1b peace dividends

The government through the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs has paid sh5.1b as a peace dividend to the ex-soldiers of the West Nile Bank Front in the West Nile region.

West Nile Bank Front was a rebel group formed in the 1990s by key leaders notably, Juma Oris.

The rebel outfit for their reasons fought against the government of Uganda but got defeated and they later surrendered in the early 2000s.

Speaking during the official launch of the payment of the resettlement packages at Koboko Boma grounds in Koboko district Wednesday, May 08, the director of veteran affairs in the ministry of defence, Brig. Gen (Rtd) Emmanuel Musinguzi, said a total of 4,901 ex-combatants have been verified to receive the funds.

He said that the lowest rank in the system will be paid sh700,000 and the top most ranked ex-combatant will be paid sh3m.

The minister of state defence In-charge veteran affairs, Huda Oleru Abason, applauded the government describing the development as a stress relief.

She says that after WNBF settlements, her ministry has plans for financially assisting former members of the defunct Uganda National Rescue Front formerly led by Gen Moses Alli.

The minister of state in charge of the northern region, Kenneth Omona, says the money has come at a time when the government is fighting household poverty.

He called on the beneficiaries to take advantage of the government programs to fight poverty.

Koboko district chairman Ashiraf Mambo commended the government for considering the plea of the West Nile people.

The minister of defence and veteran affairs, Oboth Oboth who represented Gen Salim Saleh pronounced the commitment of the government to ensure peace in the country.

Hajat Maimuna, one of the key leaders of the West Nile Bank Front similarly applaudsed the government for fulfilling its promise.