By Eye Media | Gulu City | July 12, 2026

Families affected by the devastating Opit Travellers road crash have received financial support from the Government of Uganda, with the Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Relief and Refugees, Hon. Lillian Aber, commending Gulu City’s coordinated response to the tragedy.

The government assistance was delivered in Gulu to support families that lost loved ones and those whose relatives sustained injuries in the accident.

Under the intervention, each bereaved family received UGX 5 million, while families of the injured victims received UGX 1 million to help with medical treatment and recovery expenses.

During the distribution exercise, 12 out of the 15 bereaved families received the support, while three families were absent.

Among the families of the injured survivors, 15 of the 27 beneficiaries collected their funds, with the remaining 12 expected to receive their assistance at a later date.

Speaking during the event, Hon. Aber praised Gulu City Council, security agencies, health workers and other first responders for the unity and coordination demonstrated following the fatal crash.

She said the swift and collaborative response ensured timely rescue operations, medical attention and support to the affected families.

The minister also revealed that the government is developing legislation aimed at strengthening disaster preparedness and emergency response across the country.

According to Aber, the proposed law will equip districts and cities with resources needed to respond quickly and effectively during emergencies.

She further disclosed that due to its strategic location and demonstrated capacity, Gulu City is being considered as a regional emergency response hub for Northern Uganda under the proposed framework.

Gulu City Mayor Julius Acire Labeja welcomed the government’s intervention and thanked both the Office of the President and the Office of the Prime Minister for standing with the affected families during their difficult time.

“We sincerely appreciate the Office of the President and the Office of the Prime Minister for this timely intervention. This support will help ease the burden on families as they recover from this tragic incident,” the Mayor said.

He assured the public that Gulu City Council would continue working closely with the Office of the Prime Minister to ensure that all beneficiaries who missed the distribution exercise receive the support intended for them.

The government’s intervention underscores its commitment to supporting citizens affected by disasters while strengthening local governments’ capacity to respond effectively to emergencies.

Gulu City Council also extended its condolences to the families that lost their loved ones and wished the injured victims a speedy recovery.