The Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched a $120 million collective reparations programme for communities affected by Uganda’s unlawful military activities on Congolese territory.
The first phase will cover Tshopo, Ituri, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé, with each province allocated $30 million for projects intended to benefit affected communities.
According to Radio Okapi, the money will support the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure in healthcare, education, drinking-water access and socioeconomic development.
The programme will also finance community initiatives designed to preserve the memory of victims, strengthen social cohesion and support areas that continue to carry the consequences of the conflict.
The new phase is part of the implementation of the judgment delivered by the International Court of Justice on February 9, 2022.
The Court ordered Uganda to pay the DRC $325 million in reparations for damage resulting from its military activities in Congo between 1998 and 2003. The ruling covered harm to people, property and natural resources. The full legal basis is documented by the International Court of Justice.
The Congolese Justice Ministry says Uganda has already transferred $260 million to the Congolese state under the judgment.
Through this first collective phase, part of those reparations will now be directed toward projects that communities can see and use—from schools and health facilities to clean-water systems and local economic infrastructure.
Four Provinces to Receive $30 Million Each
The allocation is divided equally among the four participating provinces:
JUSTICE & CRIME
DRC launches $120 million collective reparations programme
Sep 10, 2026
Sep 10, 2026
3 min read
Published
Updated:
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has launched a $120 million collective reparations programme for communities affected by Uganda’s unlawful military activities on Congolese territory.
The first phase will cover Tshopo, Ituri, Bas-Uélé and Haut-Uélé, with each province allocated $30 million for projects intended to benefit affected communities.
According to Radio Okapi, the money will support the construction and rehabilitation of infrastructure in healthcare, education, drinking-water access and socioeconomic development.
The programme will also finance community initiatives designed to preserve the memory of victims, strengthen social cohesion and support areas that continue to carry the consequences of the conflict.
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The new phase is part of the implementation of the judgment delivered by the International Court of Justice on February 9, 2022.
The Court ordered Uganda to pay the DRC $325 million in reparations for damage resulting from its military activities in Congo between 1998 and 2003. The ruling covered harm to people, property and natural resources. The full legal basis is documented by the International Court of Justice.
The Congolese Justice Ministry says Uganda has already transferred $260 million to the Congolese state under the judgment.
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Through this first collective phase, part of those reparations will now be directed toward projects that communities can see and use—from schools and health facilities to clean-water systems and local economic infrastructure.
Four Provinces to Receive $30 Million Each
The allocation is divided equally among the four participating provinces:
Tshopo: $30 million
Ituri: $30 million
Bas-Uélé: $30 million
Haut-Uélé: $30 million
The funds will be managed through the Special Fund for Reparation and Compensation for Victims of Uganda’s Unlawful Activities in the DRC, commonly known as FRIVAO.
Congo Profond also reported that the programme is intended to turn the compensation into projects serving communities affected by the conflict.
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For residents, the importance of the initiative goes beyond the headline figure. Better access to healthcare, safe drinking water, education and economic infrastructure can help communities rebuild while ensuring that international justice produces tangible results inside Congo.
Collective Projects First, Individual Reparations Next
The $120 million allocation covers collective reparations—projects designed to serve communities rather than direct payments to individual victims.
Individual reparations are expected to follow during a second phase after the audit and validation of beneficiary lists have been completed. This process is intended to identify eligible victims before individual compensation begins.
Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa Atondoka Andali has presented reparations as both a duty of justice and a responsibility of the Congolese state. The ministry has also committed to consultation with the communities involved as the programme moves forward.
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