C-NEWS BUREAU CHIEF
KAMPALA – In a significant development, the Ugandan government, in collaboration with the Amnesty Commission, has extended pardons to a group of 75 ex-combatants, including captives and defectors, from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). These individuals have undergone rehabilitation after being rescued from the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, marking a crucial step in their transition to civilian life.
The group of 75 individuals comprises a diverse mix, including 24 Ugandans, 48 Congolese, 2 Burundians, and one Tanzanian. Their rescue came as a result of Operation Shujaa, a concerted effort to dismantle ADF activities and bring captives back to safety.
Speaking recently, Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, the Defence Spokesperson, expressed gratitude to the Bridgeway Foundation for their partnership with Uganda to facilitate rehabilitation. He emphasized the government’s commitment to providing these former captives and defectors with the opportunity for a fresh start and a secure future outside of captivity.
After undergoing rehabilitation and counseling, these 75 individuals will receive support to help them reintegrate into society. The government aims to empower them through vocational skills acquired during rehabilitation, such as tailoring, baking, and making liquid soap.
Nathan Twinomugisha, representing the Amnesty Commission, revealed that certificates had been prepared for the Ugandans in the group. These certificates will serve as a crucial step toward enabling them to lead normal lives as they transition back into society.
The rehabilitated individuals expressed their gratitude to the Ugandan government and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces for the rehabilitation and counseling they have received. One former ADF member, a female speaker, shared her optimism about the future: “We have learned the true Islamic religion and its true and peaceful nature. We have acquired skills that can help us earn a living through various trades. My friends and I aspire to become productive citizens, build strong families, and engage in business for a better life.”
Before their rehabilitation, the ex-ADF captives participated in demonstrations that offered a glimpse into their experiences within ADF camps. This move aligns with President Museveni’s directive, which called for former ADF rebels who had either surrendered or been captured to share their insights and experiences, shedding light on the activities of the ADF.
The government’s commitment to rehabilitating and reintegrating these former combatants represents a crucial step toward peace and stability in the region, offering hope for a better future for those once ensnared by the ADF’s influence.
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