KINSHASA — September 10, 2026 — 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 $30 million allocated to each province.
The money will finance infrastructure and community projects in healthcare, education, drinking-water access and socioeconomic development, according to Radio Okapi.
The programme is designed to transform part of the compensation awarded to Congo into projects that affected communities can directly see and use.
$30 Million for Each of Four Provinces
The $120 million first phase is divided equally:
Tshopo — $30 million
Ituri — $30 million
Bas-Uélé — $30 million
Haut-Uélé — $30 million
The programme will also support initiatives aimed at preserving the memory of victims and strengthening social cohesion in communities that continue to experience the consequences of past conflict.
Reparations Follow Historic ICJ Judgment
The programme stems from a judgment by the International Court of Justice in the long-running case between the DRC and Uganda.
On February 9, 2022, the court ordered Uganda to pay the DRC $325 million in reparations for damage resulting from Uganda’s military activities in Congolese territory during the 1998–2003 conflict.
The compensation covered three broad categories of damage: harm to people, damage to property and damage to natural resources.
Read the International Court of Justice case information
DRC Says Uganda Has Already Paid $260 Million
According to the Congolese Justice Ministry, Uganda has so far transferred $260 million under the ICJ judgment.
The new collective reparations programme will direct part of those funds toward projects intended to create lasting benefits for affected populations.
Instead of distributing the entire amount through direct cash payments, this first phase focuses on infrastructure such as schools, healthcare facilities, clean-water systems and local economic projects.
FRIVAO to Manage the Reparations
The funds will be administered through FRIVAO — the Special Fund for Reparation and Compensation for Victims of Uganda’s Unlawful Activities in the DRC.
FRIVAO has responsibility for managing the reparations process and ensuring compensation reaches eligible victims and affected communities.
The programme represents an important stage in converting the ICJ judgment from an international legal decision into tangible projects inside the DRC.
Collective Reparations First, Individual Compensation to Follow
The $120 million currently announced is for collective reparations.
This means the money will primarily finance projects benefiting entire communities rather than being distributed directly to individuals.
Individual reparations are expected in a later phase.
Before individual payments begin, authorities are expected to complete the audit and validation of beneficiary lists to determine who qualifies for compensation.
This distinction is important: the current $120 million should not be interpreted as $30 million being distributed directly among individual residents in each province.
The money is intended for collective projects.
Justice Minister Says Reparations Are a State Responsibility
Justice Minister Guillaume Ngefa Atondoka Andali has described reparations as both an issue of justice for victims and a responsibility of the Congolese state.
Authorities have also said affected communities will be consulted as implementation moves forward.
Community involvement will be particularly important in deciding which schools, health facilities, water systems and socioeconomic projects should receive priority.
From International Judgment to Local Development
For residents of the four provinces, the importance of the programme extends beyond the headline figure of $120 million.
If properly implemented, the reparations could provide communities affected by conflict with infrastructure that continues serving residents for years.
A rehabilitated hospital can provide healthcare beyond the original group of victims. A drinking-water project can serve entire neighborhoods. Schools can support new generations, while local economic infrastructure can create opportunities for families rebuilding their livelihoods.
At the same time, implementation, procurement and expenditure will need to remain transparent so communities can determine how the reparations money is being used.
🇨🇩 The programme marks a new stage in the DRC’s effort to turn the $325 million ICJ reparations award into concrete benefits for communities affected by Uganda’s past military activities on Congolese territory.
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✍️ Author: Mangwa
Mangwa mangwa
Mangwa Mangwa is the Founder of MECAMEDIA, a journalist, media professional, and political analyst committed to delivering credible news and meaningful stories from Africa and around the world. His work focuses on politics, leadership, business, community development, and current affairs, with a mission to inform, inspire, and connect communities through responsible journalism.