Author: Koang Pal Chang | Published: 19 minutes ago
UPDF soldier in combat gears – courtesy [theKRMedia]
The Ugandan government has demanded a compensation package of USD4.3 million from Kenya following the killing of Ugandan geologists and UPDF soldiers by suspected Turkana warriors in March 2022.
According to UG Diplomat website, the high-level bilateral meeting, chaired by First Deputy Prime Minister Rebecca Kadaga on the directive of President Yoweri Museveni, was held at Mestil Hotel in Kampala and brought together delegations from both Uganda and Kenya.
The incident, which shocked both countries, involved the killing of Ugandan geologists and UPDF personnel during an attack linked to armed Turkana warriors from Kenya.
Officials from key ministries and agencies attended the talks, including representatives from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Defence, Attorney General’s Chambers, and cultural institutions, highlighting the seriousness and diplomatic weight attached to the matter.
During the discussions, Uganda firmly tabled what officials described as a “non-negotiable” compensation demand of USD4.3 million for the five bereaved families.
Sources at the meeting indicated that Uganda’s proposal was not only based on financial loss but also drew from cultural reconciliation practices rooted in the okukaraba heritage system.
Kenya, however, reportedly offered KES77,000 per family, amounting to approximately USD77,000 in total, citing existing compensation frameworks and precedents within its system.
The difference between the two positions reportedly created tense moments during the negotiations.
In one of the most emotional sessions of the day, the Kenyan delegation met face-to-face with the bereaved families, who narrated the pain, suffering, and long-lasting impact caused by the killings.
Family members reportedly demanded justice, dignity, and meaningful compensation, arguing that the lives lost could not be reduced to what they termed as a “symbolic figure.”
At the close of the meeting, the Kenyan envoy requested additional time to consult President William Ruto and the Kenyan government regarding Uganda’s demands.
Both parties agreed to adjourn and reconvene on Friday for a final response from Kenya.
Ugandan officials maintained that the country’s position remains firm and that the matter must be resolved fairly, respectfully, and in a manner that restores dignity to the affected families.
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