The President of the National Unity Platform (NUP), Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, has expressed deep humility and gratitude after spending part of the day with thousands of elders from the Teso Sub-region, the majority of whom are war claimants.
These individuals, many of whom were once wealthy and respected community members, lost their loved ones, cattle, and vast properties during the armed conflicts of the late 1980s.
For nearly four decades, the government has made repeated promises to compensate these victims.
However, those promises have remained unfulfilled.
“Many of the original claimants have since passed away, while the remaining elders live in poverty, battling various illnesses with no access to proper medical care,” said Kyagulanyi.
“Despite their suffering, the little money that has occasionally been released has benefited only a few . Unfortunately, some leaders aligned with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) have turned the suffering of these elders into a source of personal gain.”
In a symbolic and historic moment, Kyagulanyi led the NUP in signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the elders of Teso.
The MoU signifies NUP’s unwavering commitment to advocating for justice and fair compensation for the war claimants, not just in Teso, but in all marginalized communities across Uganda.
“We shall work tooth and nail, now and in the future, to ensure justice for these people,” Kyagulanyi affirmed. “Our mission is to rebuild this nation on the foundation of truth, justice, and equality.”
In turn, the elders pledged their support for the National Unity Platform in its pursuit of regime change and national transformation.
They committed themselves to walking alongside the party in the struggle to liberate Uganda and restore dignity to all its people.
As a demonstration of NUP’s dedication to their cause, seven calves were handed over to selected elders during the gathering.
These calves, Kyagulanyi explained, symbolize hope and the promise of a new beginning for the war claimants and their children.
Kyagulanyi extended heartfelt appreciation to Hon. Julius Ocen and all the organizers who made the day possible, highlighting the importance of such grassroots engagements in bringing healing and unity to communities long neglected by the government.
The visit and signing of the MoU represent yet another milestone in NUP’s efforts to stand with the oppressed and offer tangible action and hope for a just future.