By KT Reporter
Five years after the November 2020 riots, the families of the victims have lost hope of receiving justice or compensation from the government. At least 50 people were shot dead by suspected security operatives from the police, army, and other agencies across the country, particularly in Kampala, during unrest on November 18th and 19th, 2020, amid the 2021 general election.
Protests erupted after police detained Robert Kyagulanyi, also known as Bobi Wine, the then-presidential candidate for the National Unity Platform (NUP), while he was campaigning in Luuka District. His arrest, for allegedly violating the Electoral Commission’s COVID-19 guidelines, sparked nationwide unrest.
While commemorating the fifth anniversary at NUP’s party headquarters at Kavule-Makerere, Secretary General Lewis Rubongoya said the party continues to support over 100 families of the 2020 victims with education and food, but lamented the limitations of its capacity.
Rubongoya said, “Some of these families were left in a dire situation after losing their breadwinners. Our welfare department still supports them with school fees, rent, and other essentials. However, we’re now struggling due to the recent threat to cut off our public funds from IPOD. Despite 60% of the party’s funds going towards supporting these families, we continue getting small support from our well-wishers.”
He appealed for more support, noting that the party relies heavily on well-wishers to care for the families. Joel Ssenyonyi, the party spokesperson, said the annual commemoration highlights the ongoing suffering of the families and renews calls for justice.
“The most critical aspect is demanding justice and ensuring that those responsible for the deaths of over 100 people are held accountable. To date, no one has been brought to justice for these human rights violations. President Museveni has denied justice to the victims’ families, despite promising compensation that was never fulfilled. We want to see those responsible held accountable,” Ssenyonyi said.
Families of the victims recounted their painful experiences. Hajara Nakito, mother of 15-year-old Amos Ssegawa, who was shot dead by security forces on Kampala Road, said she has been struggling with depression since her son’s death.
“I’ve endured a painful period in my life seeking justice and compensation for my child, but to no avail. I’ve lost hope. My only prayer is that justice for our murdered loved ones will be served under a new government,” Nakito said.
Margret Nabate, wife of the late Juma Ssendagile, recounted her husband’s death in her arms on the way to Mulago Hospital after being shot at Kalerwe Market. She described the family’s struggle following the loss of their breadwinner.
Denis Lubwama Waswa, brother of the late Kato Lubwama Baker, expressed disappointment over the government’s unfulfilled compensation promise, noting that the party has been supporting him in raising his brother’s two children despite his own financial difficulties.
Asan Magara, who lost a brother in the Kamwokya riots, said multiple meetings with the government seeking compensation have yielded nothing over the past five years.
“We’ve tried and lost hope. I want to inform my fellow victims that they should stop expecting justice because that door is closed. The only way we’ll achieve justice is when this government, led by President Museveni, relinquishes power,” he said.
During the November riots, the government acknowledged that security forces used live fire in response to rioters. Human rights groups and eyewitnesses, however, said security forces used excessive force on unarmed civilians. Despite promises of investigations, no one has been held accountable, and compensation promised to victims’ families remains largely unpaid.
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