Uganda is set to pay 199.83bn of the 247bn to DRC For Plundering DRC Resources

In a significant move, the Government of Uganda (GOU) is set to pay 199.83 billion UGX of the 247 billion UGX awarded by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This payment comes as a result of actions by certain individuals who plundered and stole timber and gold from the DRC for their own personal enrichment. As Uganda prepares to honor this hefty payment, a pressing question arises: should the individuals responsible for these actions be held accountable?

The ICJ Ruling and Its Implications

The ICJ’s ruling highlights the severe consequences of unlawful exploitation and the importance of accountability in international relations. The reparations are intended to compensate for the economic and environmental damage inflicted upon the DRC by these unscrupulous acts. However, the burden of payment falls upon the Ugandan government, and by extension, its taxpayers, rather than the individuals directly responsible.

Financial Allocation and National Priorities

As Uganda gears up to pay the reparations, it’s essential to consider the allocation of its budget to various critical sectors:

1. Health Sector:
   • Referral Hospitals: 22.58 billion UGX
   • Uganda Cancer Institute: 12.31 billion UGX
   • Uganda Heart Institute: 7.06 billion UGX
   • Uganda Blood Transfusion Services (UBTS): 4.1 billion UGX
   • Medical interns’ salaries: 21.85 billion UGX
   • National Medical Stores (NMS): 173.68 billion UGX for essential drugs and medicines
2. Security Institutions:
   • Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs: 253.30 billion UGX
   • Uganda Police Force: 56.43 billion UGX
   • Uganda Prisons Services: 44.79 billion UGX
   • Internal Security Organization (ISO): 28.08 billion UGX
   • External Security Organization (ESO): 19.44 billion UGX
3. Other Key Allocations:
   • Parliament: 153.60 billion UGX
   • Judiciary: 47.40 billion UGX
   • Auditor General: 10.11 billion UGX
   • Science, Technology, and Innovation: 124.63 billion UGX
   • Uganda National Oil Company (UNOC): 124 billion UGX for equity acquisition in the East African Crude Oil Pipeline (EACOP)
   • Domestic arrears: 199.83 billion UGX

Development Budget

The GOU has also earmarked funds for developmental purposes:

• Contract staff salaries: 21.76 billion UGX
• Uganda Revenue Authority (URA): 14.34 billion UGX
• Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA): 22.67 billion UGX
• Ministry of Finance, Planning, and Economic Development (MOFPED): 14.53 billion UGX for the Resource Enhancement and Accountability Programme (REAP) and Uganda Inter-Governmental Fiscal Transfers Programme (UGIFT)
• Local Government grants: 229.27 billion UGX

Given the extensive financial commitments and the pressing needs of the nation, it seems only fair that those who directly benefited from the illegal exploitation of DRC’s resources should face consequences. Holding these individuals accountable would not only serve justice but also deter future misconduct.

Accountability can take several forms:

1. Legal Action: Prosecuting those involved in plundering DRC’s resources under both national and international laws.
2. Financial Restitution: Requiring the responsible individuals to contribute to the reparations, easing the financial burden on the nation.
3. Public Disclosure: Increasing transparency by publicly naming those involved and detailing their actions.

As Uganda prepares to fulfill its financial obligations to the DRC, the call for individual accountability becomes louder. Ensuring that those who plundered and stole are held responsible is not only a matter of justice but also a step towards preventing future violations. The GOU must balance its duty to compensate for past wrongs with the imperative to protect its citizens and uphold the rule of law. By doing so, Uganda can demonstrate its commitment to justice, both at home and on the international stage.