South Sudan compensation cash splits Ugandan traders
Controversy surrounds the payment of Ugandans who traded in South Sudan and lost merchandise during the civil strife there.
A section of the traders want President Museveni to stop the release of Shs 40 billion to only pay ten companies instead of the 23 who lost their merchandise.
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The traders said the verification exercise was marred with irregularities.
Yesterday, Matia Kasaija, the minister of Finance, Planning and Economic Development announced that Ugandan traders who lost their merchandise seven years ago at the start of the South Sudan war will finally be paid.
He said Shs 40 billion had been earmarked to pay 10 firms, something that has sparked off controversy amongst the traders.
The ten firms are: Rubya Investments; Kibungo Enterprise; Aponye Uganda limited; Afro Kai Limited; Swift Commodities; Sunrise Commodities; Ms Sophi Omari; Apo General Agencies; Ropani International and KK Transporters.
But other 13 companies have said the process of selecting this ten was not fair and transparent and have appealed to Museveni to halt the payment until they are also considered.
Everest Kayondo, the chairman of Kampala City Traders Association (KACITA) said government must look into the possibility of compensating all the traders.
In an internal memo seen by Nile Post the permanent secretary, Keith Muhakanizi in the ministry of Finance requested Kasaija not to compensate anyone until the independent verification experts is done by Ernst and Young. The traders claim they lost up to $l160 million.
