Nile Star Crash Survivors Await Promised Presidential Funds Eight Months Later

Survivors of a catastrophic Nile Star bus crash on October 22, 2025, are still anxiously awaiting the financial aid pledged by President Yoweri Museveni. The accident, which occurred in Kiryandongo District, claimed the lives of 46 individuals and left many others with severe injuries.

Despite assurances, some survivors, like retired head teacher Joel Amanzu and 29-year-old Edward Adia, report receiving no compensation. They claim to have visited both the bus company’s offices and the Resident City Commissioner’s (RCC) office in their pursuit of the promised funds, only to be met with inaction and conflicting information.

Amanzu, who underwent multiple surgeries, described the exhausting back-and-forth between offices, stating, “For us who do not have connections, have just been left in the air.” Adia, who incurred over Shs11 million in medical expenses after spending three months hospitalized for serious leg injuries, voiced concern for others who may be unable to advocate for themselves.

President Museveni had announced via X (formerly Twitter) that Shs5 million would be given to bereaved families and Shs1 million to the injured. However, the distribution process appears to have stalled or been mishandled.

Nile Star Bus Company manager Amin Dewise suggested survivors should visit the company office for assistance, claiming the funds were channeled through RDC and RCC offices. Conversely, Arua RCC Rtd Maj Betty Akello Otekat stated that State House officials handled payments directly in the villages, suggesting her office was not directly involved with the cash distribution.

The delay and lack of transparency surrounding the promised aid continue to be a significant burden for the crash survivors, who are still seeking the support they were promised in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Source: Daily Monitor (Uganda)