Bunyoro establishes reparation committee

Bunyoro is demanding 700 million Pounds (Shs2.7 trillion) as compensation for atrocities its subjects allegedly suffered at the hands of the British troops.

The Omukama (king) of Bunyoro, Solomon Gafabusa Iguru, has appointed a 21-member committee to push for reparations from Britain for alleged atrocities committed during the colonial war.

Bunyoro Kingdom is demanding 700 million Pounds (Shs2.7 trillion) as compensation for atrocities its subjects allegedly suffered at the hands of the British troops.

The British government denies the claims.
The committee, which is chaired by the former Kibaale town clerk, Mr Simon Kandole, comprises kingdom, central government and civil society officials.

The committee
The kingdom officials who are part of the committee include: Mr Yolamu Nsamba, the principal private secretary to the Omukama, Mr Swizine Wamara, Prime Minister Jackson Nsamba Kasozi, Oil and Lands minister Blasio Mugasa, and Mr Godfrey Seguja, the minister for project planning.

Other members of the committee include: Bunyoro Affairs State Minister Ernest Kiiza, the State Minister for Planning, Mr Matiya Kasaija, who is also the Buyanja County MP, and Prof. Nyiira Mijumbi, the state minister for agriculture, who is also the Buruuli County MP.

The coordinator of Kibaale District Civil Society Organisations Network (KCSON), Mr Paul Mulindwa and Mr Edward Mbiheebwa, the coordinator Masindi NGO Forum, are also members of the committee.

Colonial war
Bunyoro Kingdom has threatened to sue the British government if its demand for compensation is not met.

Britain conquered Bunyoro after a nine-year war during the reign of Omukama Kabalega. Kabalega was exiled to Seychelles in 1899 and later died in 1923.

Banyoro claims that the British colonial forces pillaged its resources during the war leaving them impoverished.

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