Bobi Wine Blasts Gov’t for Rushing to Allocate Shs80 Billion to Teso Compensation Days After His MOU with War Claimants

National Unity Platform (NUP) president Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, alias Bobi Wine, has criticized the government for what he describes as a politically-motivated rush to allocate Shs80 billion for the compensation of war claimants in the Teso Sub-region, just days after he signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with affected communities.

Bobi Wine, who recently visited Teso and signed an MOU with a section of war claimants led by former Kapelebyong MP Julius Ochen, dismissed the government’s compensation announcement as another recycled pre-election ploy aimed at winning political favor ahead of the 2026 elections.

“As we predicted and mentioned a few days ago while signing an MOU with the Teso war claimants who lost their livelihoods to the Museveni regime decades ago, the regime is now scrambling a ‘compensation package’ for them,” Kyagulanyi posted on X (formerly Twitter).

“The same empty promise it’s been making every election season! Well, too late and too bad for the regime because you can’t fool everyone all the time!”

His remarks came shortly after Vice President Jessica Alupo revealed that the government had earmarked Shs80 billion in the upcoming 2025/2026 national budget to compensate war claimants in Teso, part of a larger phased compensation plan also targeting Acholi and Lango sub-regions.

Speaking in Katakwi last Friday during a meeting, Alupo announced that the government remains committed to the compensation programme, which was officially launched by President Museveni in 2023 at Soroti University.

“There is no way government can abandon that programme. The people in the three sub-regions of Acholi, Lango, and Teso should have confidence in the government and use the people who have already received compensation as an example,” said Alupo.

She also delivered a Shs60 million contribution from the Microfinance Support Centre and another Shs50 million for the construction of a veterans’ house, drawing applause from veterans and local leaders in attendance.

However, Bobi Wine insists that the timing of the announcement raises questions about the sincerity of the NRM government’s intentions.

During his visit to Teso, Kyagulanyi delivered seven heifers to elders in a symbolic gesture of NUP’s commitment to addressing historical injustices in the region.

In the MOU signed with the Teso War Claimants Association, NUP pledged to fast-track compensation, rebuild infrastructure destroyed during past conflicts, and create livelihood opportunities if elected into power.

“We don’t want politics of deception. Our people have suffered too long, and every election season, they are told to wait a little longer. This time, they must make a choice that changes the narrative once and for all,” Bobi Wine told supporters in Soroti.

The war claimants, led by Julius Ochen, sued the government in 2005 for failing to protect their lives and property during the 1980s insurgency and the 2003 invasion by Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) rebels.

The case, which has dragged on for nearly two decades, has yet to yield tangible results for the claimants, many of whom remain impoverished.

Alupo, however, defended the government’s efforts, saying the current NRM administration is focused on addressing historical injustices and building sustainable livelihoods through initiatives like Emyooga, the Parish Development Model (PDM), and the Youth Livelihood Programme.

“We shall not relent from supporting the people with startup capital towards helping them find money-generating activities. Once people get out of poverty through wealth creation, the government will have more room to focus on other priorities like infrastructure,” she said.

But critics, including opposition leaders and some civil society groups, have questioned the sudden enthusiasm with which the government is handling the war compensation matter now, after years of delays.

“It’s not just about money; it’s about trust. If the government was serious about this programme, it wouldn’t take the visit of an opposition leader to prompt an announcement of funds. People are tired of waiting for promises that never materialize,” one of the critics said.

With the 2026 general elections looming, political temperatures are rising in eastern Uganda.

The Teso Sub-region, historically a swing area, has seen increased attention from both ruling party officials and opposition figures.

As the compensation debate heats up, analysts predict it could become a key campaign issue influencing how the electorate votes.

Meanwhile, Bobi Wine has vowed to continue touring conflict-affected regions, engaging communities, and amplifying the voices of marginalized Ugandans.

He says the compensation issue is not just about reparations but about holding leaders accountable for their failure to protect citizens.

“This is not charity. It is justice overdue. And we will not stop until every affected family in Teso, Acholi, and Lango is heard and compensated fully,” he declared.