Amolatar, Uganda – The Acting Assistant Principal Secretary of Amolatar, Mrs. Eka Dezy Awongo, has appealed to war claimants awaiting compensation to remain patient as the government nears the final stages of the payment process.
Speaking at a press briefing held on Thursday January 9, 2025, at the Chief Administrative Officer’s (CAO) office, Mrs. Awongo assured claimants that the process is ongoing, with significant progress already made.
She disclosed that the district had recently received 7,000 data cards for verification and disbursement, enabling most of the beneficiaries to receive their entitlements.
Additionally, 248 data cards, which represent the remaining group of eligible claimants, are expected to be retrieved by the district next week for final processing.
Mrs. Awongo attributed the delay in completing the payment process to the rigorous verification procedures, which require approvals from seven different categories of officials.
This multilayered process, she explained, has slowed down the stamping and distribution of data cards.
“The verification process is critical to ensuring that all payments are made accurately and reach the rightful beneficiaries,” she said.
She further noted that her team is working closely with relevant authorities to expedite the remaining stages of verification.
The initial batch of cards primarily targeted elderly individuals, ensuring that the most vulnerable beneficiaries were prioritized in line with government directives.
Mrs. Awongo emphasized that, alongside the retrieval of the 248 remaining data cards, new cards will also be issued to those who have not yet been captured in the system.
She urged individuals who are yet to receive their data cards to exercise patience, as the government is committed to addressing all outstanding issues.
“The government is aware of the delays, but I want to assure all claimants that their concerns will be addressed. The district team is fully dedicated to ensuring that everyone entitled to compensation receives it,” Mrs. Awongo stated.
The payment process in Amolatar is part of a national initiative aimed at compensating individuals affected by past conflicts.
The government has taken steps to ensure transparency and fairness in the distribution of funds, with district officials tasked to oversee the process at the grassroots level.
Mrs. Awongo called on claimants to remain calm as they await the final stages of disbursement.
“We understand the anxiety among the beneficiaries, but it is important to remain patient and allow the process to be completed in a smooth manner,” she said.
Her remarks were echoed by district leaders who attended the briefing, affirming that the government is keen on fulfilling its pledge to compensate those who suffered losses during the conflicts.
The district authorities pledged to keep the public informed on any new developments regarding the payments.
Local leaders and stakeholders have been urged to support the ongoing efforts by sensitizing the public and ensuring that the process remains orderly.
