news 24 March 2026 The Observer (Uganda)
Uganda Government Starts Compensation for 1998 Kichwamba ADF Attack Victims' Families
Ugandan authorities have launched compensation payments for families of students killed in the 1998 Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel attack on Uganda Technical Institute in Kabarole district. The process follows President Museveni's directive to provide Shs 15 million per affected family, with district officials now issuing recommendation letters. Source: https://observer.ug/news/govt-begins-compensation-for-1998-kichwamba-rebel-attack-victims
The Ugandan government has initiated compensation for relatives of victims from the tragic 1998 ADF rebel assault on Uganda Technical Institute–Kichwamba in Kabarole district.
On June 8, 1998, rebels stormed the western Uganda school, locking students in dormitories, setting them ablaze, and gunning down escapees. The attack claimed at least 80 lives and saw over 100 students abducted.
In a February 2025 letter, President Yoweri Museveni instructed Finance Minister Matia Kasaija to allocate Shs 15 million to each family that lost a child. Kabarole district leaders began distributing recommendation letters on Monday to kick off the process.
District chairperson Richard Rwabuhinga stated that these letters, along with documents, will go to the Office of the Prime Minister and Attorney General for verification and disbursement. The initial focus is on families of those killed by fire or bullets.
Families of abducted students, missing persons, and survivors are urged to wait as officials consult the Attorney General for their inclusion. On Monday, parents of 41 deceased students gathered at district headquarters in Kitumba to verify records with local leaders.
Relatives expressed gratitude. Rose Sserubiri mourned her firstborn son’s lost potential, while Lemuresuk Losio noted the aid would ease hardships for a family left with orphaned children who dropped out of school. Onesmus Matsiko acknowledged that no sum replaces lives but offers relief.
Survivors also seek support. Julius Katuramu, head of the Kichwamba 1998 Survivors Association, highlighted ongoing trauma, disabilities, and education disruptions, calling for a dedicated fund like the Parish Development Model.
Milton Namanya lost his exam documents in the blaze, halting his studies, and David Birungi suffers lasting burns limiting his physical abilities.
Source: The Observer (Uganda)