By KT Reporter
Terror victims in Uganda, under their umbrella, the Victims of Terrorism Association Uganda, have called for legal reforms to secure sustainable funding for their healing and recovery. Speaking at the launch of the association, Hassan Ndugwa, a survivor of the 2010 Kyadondo Rugby Grounds bombing and Executive Director of Prospect Initiative, urged the government to move beyond empathy and provide enforceable rights for survivors.
He proposed that the affairs of terrorism victims be placed under the Ministry of Gender, Labour and Social Development, backed by laws that recognize victims and guarantee funding for their recovery, participation in justice, and workplace protection. Ndugwa noted that Uganda lacks a dedicated legal framework for victims of terrorism, saying the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2002 is silent on their needs.
He appreciated the government’s initial support, such as cash for hospital bills and burials, but emphasized that long-term suffering requires long-term care. “Survivors need dignified livelihoods, not favours,” he said, calling for collaboration between government, civil society, businesses, and communities.
Robert Ssemujju, a survivor of the 2010 Lugogo bombing, recalled how he narrowly survived after being left in the mortuary for 15 hours due to severe injuries. Since then, he said, his life has never been the same as he can no longer perform the work that once supported his family. He also highlighted the stigma faced by victims, noting that community members still call him “Kaawonawo” — literally “a person who narrowly survived” — a nickname that deepens his trauma.
Zura Ramathan, a businesswoman affected by the 2023 twin bombings at Parliamentary Avenue and the Central Police Station, lost an eye and suffered severe injuries. She narrated the difficulties of raising money for treatment at Kampala Hospital and later Mulago National Referral Hospital, relying on traders in Kikuubo to fundraise for her bills.
Ramathan later received Shs 10 million from the government but said most of it went to clearing debts from her treatment. She emphasized the need for continuous support, as she still struggles with her eye and cannot work as before.
Rashid Atugonza from the National Planning Authority said provisions for terrorism victims are embedded in the National Development Plan IV (NDP IV), but admitted a more targeted approach is needed. He suggested using government livelihood programs such as Emyooga and the Parish Development Model (PDM) to support victims.
“As a government, it is critical not to leave anyone behind, because each of us has a contribution to make,” Atugonza said. George Bigirwa from the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) highlighted ongoing efforts to fast-track terrorism cases and provide psychosocial support for victims.
He acknowledged that Uganda lacks a specific law on victim protection but said the ODPP has issued interim guidelines to safeguard their interests.
Colonel Alex Tumushabe, Acting Deputy Commandant of the National Counter Terrorism Center, welcomed the launch of the association as a new beginning for closer engagement with victims. He pledged continued collaboration, stressing that “everyone is a potential victim of terrorism.”
Uganda has experienced multiple terrorist attacks, including the 2010 Kyadondo Rugby Grounds bombing, the 2021 twin bombings in Kampala, and the 2023 Mpondwe school massacre, all of which claimed numerous lives.
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