Rubirizi fuel tanker victims still waiting for compensation, five years later
Victims of the fuel tanker accident at Kyambura Trading Center in Rubirizi District on August 18, 2019, have expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in receiving compensation pledged by President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
The accident occurred when a fuel tanker overturned and exploded, sparking a massive fire that claimed dozens of lives and destroyed numerous properties, including businesses and homes.
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The president visited the scene shortly after the incident, expressing condolences and assuring the victims of government support to rebuild their lives.
"For those houses that burnt and other properties, we shall compensate you," he said.
The victims, many of whom lost their livelihoods and property in the inferno, have called for urgent government intervention to fulfill the promises made to them.
"We remember you said you would send people to deliver the compensation package, but we have never seen any. We don’t know whether they have eaten the money or not, since you have also remained quiet," Muhammad Asuman one of the victims said.
Speaking to the press, some victims revealed that the delayed compensation has left them grappling with financial hardships.
“Most of us had businesses funded by loans. We were relying on the compensation to repay those loans and restart our lives,” one victim lamented.
The Rubirizi Resident District Commissioner (RDC) Bron Kikashemeza acknowledged the grievances raised by the victims, affirming that their concerns had been noted and would be addressed.
However, no specific timeline for the compensation was provided.
"I have never seen the list of people meant to receive this money, nor do I know if anyone has received it. We also need to know which office approved the list, if any."
As the victims await redress, the delay has intensified their struggles, raising questions about the government's commitment to addressing their plight.
Many now hope that renewed attention to their situation will spur action to deliver the long-awaited relief.
