Nwoya War Debt Claimant annual general meeting today ended prematurely after being stopped by the district Chairman Patrick Okello Oryema who said it was ‘‘illegal.’’
In 2006, more than 20,000 Acholi war debt claimants dragged government to court demanding compensation for animals and property lost during the 20 years of conflict in northern Uganda.
However, in 2007 government opted for an out-of-court settlement which saw Shs 12.1 billion paid to claimants.
The Acholi War Claimants Association has since been riddled with conflict and allegations of corruption leading to the ouster of its Chairman, Noah Opwonya. But Opwonya insists he is still in office.
The Nwoya meeting was called by the faction loyal to Noah Opwonya reportedly to give update to members on their compensation.
Nwoya Chairman Oryema however said the meeting can only take place if the claimants come up with one recognised and formal executive.
“We had information circulation over radios that the meeting being held by the association members is illegal and we stepped in to call it off because we don’t want our elderly members to go against the law,’’ Oryema said.
The Nwoya Chairman explained that there is a faction of the association led by Noah Opwonya and another by JK Nyeko which makes it very hard for the district to know which one to pay allegiance to.
