Families demand Shs24 billion pay
The Sheema Resident District Commissioner, Mr Willy Twamuboona, addresses the aggrieved families at his office on Tuesday. Photo by Rajab Mukombozi
Sheema- At least 37 families that were affected during the overthrow of Idi Amin in 1979 in Sheema District are demanding Shs24 billion from government.
The families, which have pitched camp at the Resident District Commissioner’s (RDC’s) office, say the compensation for the death of their loved ones and property is overdue.
In 2011, the same group camped in Kabwohe Town for three months but only left after President Museveni said his government would compensate them. “It is more than 35 years since the violence was meted out on our families. We cannot wait anymore,” Hajj Umar Mutono, one of the leaders of the group, said.
“We have come with two options: the government either compensates us or we will storm our former villages and get back our land.”
Ms Bamwoga Kalamantu, 67, said she lost her husband during the 1979 chaos. “I have been wandering with my family, living as beggars for these years as though we did not have property,” Ms Kalamantu said. “If they don’t compensate us, I will show my children where their [father’s] land is and I am sure they will do all to reclaim it because they are tired of this impoverished life.”
The RDC, Mr Willy Twamuboona, said the matter is being handled.
“I have talked to the relevant authorities, including the President’s Office and it has confirmed to me that your issues are being handled by the Attorney General. You will be given a response in one week,” Mr Twamuboona said.
However, the families vowed not to leave the place.
“If we managed to camp for three months in Kabwohe, one week here is nothing. So let us remain here and wait for this person you say you have contacted,” they said.
