ICC Orders 222 Billion Ugandan Shillings Compensation For LRA Victims in Ongwen Case

The International Criminal Court (ICC) has announced a landmark decision, awarding approximately €52.429 million (equivalent to about 222 billion Ugandan Shillings) in compensation to victims of former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) Rebel Commander Dominic Ongwen.

Judges at Trial Chamber IX made the reparation decision on Wednesday, emphasizing collective compensation due to the scale of atrocities and the extensive number of victims involved.

With an estimated 49,772 direct and indirect victims of Ongwen’s crimes set to benefit, the decision marks a significant step in acknowledging the suffering endured under his leadership.

Ongwen, convicted by the ICC in 2021 on charges including crimes against humanity and war crimes committed in Northern Uganda between July 2002 and December 2005, is serving a 25-year jail term in Norway, where he was transferred last December.

Recognizing Ongwen’s inability to compensate victims directly, the Judges assigned the Trust Fund for Victims to cover the costs. The ICC Registry has been tasked to identify and register victims in Northern Uganda within 30 days of the reparations decision.

Additionally, the Judges called upon ICC member states and supporters to provide financial aid to the Trust Fund for Victims, which currently faces financial constraints.

Ongwen’s case is significant as he is the first senior LRA commander among five indicted by the ICC in 2005 to be captured, tried, and sentenced for crimes against humanity and war crimes in Northern Uganda. LRA leader Joseph Kony remains at large.

Last year, ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan sought authorization to hold a hearing to confirm charges against Kony in his absence, relating to alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity committed between July 2002 and December 2005 in northern Uganda.

Proceedings against Raska Lukwiya, Okot Odhiambo, and Vincent Otti, who were also indicted, have been terminated by the ICC.