By Owen Alton
KASESE:
The state minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Godfrey Baluku Kabbyanga, yesterday afternoon at Kiime Resort in Mpondwe Lhubiriha Town Council, asked parents and relatives to collect the remains of their loved ones today in preparation for burials.
Hon. Kabbyanga noted that over 17 male students were burnt beyond recognition. Out of the samples taken, 11 have been matched with their parents, while 6 samples have not been matched with any DNA samples.
He also delivered 25 million shillings as a burial contribution to the affected families. The money was contributed by the Minister of Security, Maj Gen Jim Muhwezi, during his visit to Mpondwe Lhubiriha Secondary School last week.
500,000 shillings were given to each relative for each deceased child.
Meanwhile, some of the parents who came to receive the results from the DNA tests were notified that their children are still missing. They asked the government to assist in the search for their missing children.
They also requested the government to provide them with guns for self-defense, as was done in 1996.
In response, the Kasese District Deputy RDC in charge of Bukonzo, Lt Matte Magwara, stated that the government would ensure guaranteed security. Lt Magwara addressed the affected parents and some leaders of Bukonzo East at Kiime Resort in Bukonzo West, Kasese District, yesterday. He acknowledged the residents’ request for guns and stated that he would raise the issue in the security meeting.
According to him, while it is possible for the government to arm them, the security committee is responsible for requesting guns from higher security organs.
Some LC3 chairpersons from Bukonzo East expressed gratitude to the government for their efforts but requested improvements such as phone network coverage and police detachments.
They also revealed that the 5 million shillings given to each affected family as condolences from the government has led to domestic violence in some families.
