Hundreds of widows in Agago District are struggling to educate their children and rebuild their lives years after losing their husbands in attacks by suspected Karamojong cattle raiders, as local leaders demand the implementation of a presidential compensation pledge made three years ago.
During a security and peace meeting with leaders from Acholi, Teso and Lango at Baralegi State Lodge in Otuke District in 2023, President Yoweri Museveni directed that families of people killed by suspected cattle raiders be compensated with Shs5 million, while those injured would receive Shs1 million each.
However, residents and local leaders say many affected families have not received any compensation despite submitting lists of victims through district authorities.
Hellen Ayugi, a widow from Katiri Village in Amyel Parish, Lapono Sub-county, says life has become increasingly difficult since her husband was killed by suspected raiders in June 2016.
According to Ayugi, the attackers found seven people working in a garden but only shot her husband, leaving the women and children unharmed.
She says her husband was the family’s sole breadwinner and the only son in his family, leaving no close relatives to support her after his death.
Agago District Chairperson Wilson Otto says the district is preparing to formally pursue justice for victims and their families.
He says the district intends to coordinate with neighbouring districts, including Kitgum, Pader, Otuke and Abim, to build a united regional petition seeking accountability and compensation.
By URN
Leave a Reply