Lango war debts claimants appoint Kole North MP as patron

22 August 2025, 7:46 pm

By Baker Okello

Over 100 coordinators of Lango war debts claimants have unanimously resolved to appoint Hon. Dr. Samuel Opio Acuti, the Kole North Member of Parliament, as their patron to represent them in the forthcoming meeting with President Yoweri Museveni at State House.

The decision was reached during an emergency meeting held on 22 August 2025 at Pacific Grand Hotel in Lira, following the President’s announcement on 17 August that he would meet leaders of war debts claimants next week.

Presenting the resolutions, Counsel Obonyo Bosco of Twontoo & Co. Advocates stated that the meeting had passed a vote of no confidence in Hon. Julius Acon Bua, the Otuke East MP, accusing him of attempting to appoint himself as their representative without their consent.

The claimants also expressed dissatisfaction with the mobilisers of the presidential visit in Lango, accusing them of selecting only four representatives from more than 7,000 claimants. The meeting resolved that they would not meet the President under Hon. Acon’s leadership and further demanded that the number of invitees be increased from 20 to at least 50.

Meanwhile, Mr Obua Sam, Chairperson of the Lango War Debts Claimants Association, said the alleged self-appointment of Hon. Acon as patron was unacceptable, emphasising that the claimants do not recognise him.

Obua cautioned that the President should not involve Hon. Acon in the meeting, as he is neither a plaintiff nor a claimant.

He further warned politicians against exploiting the compensation issue for their personal political gain.