Another crucial milestone was recently completed in Kisangani, where the Special Fund for Reparations and Compensation for Victims of Armed Activities of Uganda (FRIVAO) completed the identification of victims of the war. This operation, which ended on January 26, made it possible to identify people who had suffered the consequences of armed conflicts, thus offering a glimmer of hope to victims and their families.
However, while the identification has been completed, some voices are being raised to express their impatience with the delay in the compensation process. Notable people in the region do not hesitate to encourage victims to demand accountability from the FRIVAO, thus highlighting the legitimate expectations and concerns of the people concerned.
Interviewed by Radio Okapi, Debah Boila Baelongandi, FRIVAO communicator, calls for patience and understanding from the victims. He assures that the fund has completed the processing of pending files and that individual compensation will soon be made. Indeed, according to recent comments from rapporteur Mimi Mupunga, victims will be able to claim their compensation within a month to a month and a half.
This process, although complex and detailed, is of paramount importance for people impacted by the after-effects of armed activities in Uganda. Compensation not only symbolizes recognition of the suffering endured, but it also helps heal the wounds of a community scarred by the horrors of war.
It is therefore essential that FRIVAO continues its efforts with transparency and efficiency, in order to guarantee fair reparation to victims and to restore a semblance of justice in a reality marked by violence and injustice. The patience and trust of victims prove essential in this delicate phase, which aspires to right the wrongs and offer a new start to those who have suffered so much.