By Mary Asujo
The speaker of parliament, Rt Hon Rebecca Kadaga has directed the Internal Affairs Minister Gen Jeje Odong to appear before parliament over government’s compensation plan for families who lost loved ones during the November 2020 riots.
The speaker’s directive follows a concern raised by Ntungamo MP, Micheal Timuzigu Kamugisha as a matter of national importance during plenary session on Tuesday 27th April 2021.
More than 50 people died due of stray bullets during political riots on 18th and 19th November 2020, following the arrest of National unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi while he was on a presidential campaign trail in Luuka District.
Among the dead is a 15 year old Amos Ssegawa from Wakiso District who was allegedly shot in the neck by security personnel.
In a nation address following the riots, President Yoweri Museveni said after due process, government would compensate those who were injured during the riots including those who lost their loved ones if it is found out that they were not part of the riots. The president also pledged compensation for lost property during the two-day protests.
Hon Timuzigu stated that it is sad that ever since, neither of the families has been compensated for their loved ones who were killed at the hands of security agencies nor any government representative reached out to them and they are wondering if government has any plans for their plight.
“Over the weekend, a one Kassim, who lost a son who was fresh from university came to visit me with tears in his eyes saying he doesn’t know what to do.” Hon Timuzigu said.
Timuzigu prayed that government should present a report on circumstances under which the people died and compensate families who lost their loved ones because they are not happy.
Speaker Kadaga also informed the house that a mother also called her recently over the same matter.
Kadaga said she proposed to Internal Affairs minister to have a proper plan over the matter but up to date nothing has materialized. The speaker directed the minister for Internal Affairs to prepare and present a response over the matter.