A group of 58 Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) Ex-fighters inclusive of their families on Saturday 22nd July returned to the country from Central African Republic (CAR).
These 14 Ex-fighters together with 44 members of their families landed on the pearl of Africa at around 03:00 pm with the help of the BAR Aviation aircraft from CAR and were received by Prime Minister Rt. Hon Robinah Nabbanja, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Hon. Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempija, the UPDF officials, Acholi region leaders among other dignitaries.
While receiving them at the Entebbe airport, prime minister Rt. Hon Robbinah Nabbanja praised the members of the Diplomatic Community, especially the Embassy of the Royal Kingdom of Netherlands and the Embassy of Belgium in Uganda, His Excellency Retired General Yoweri Kaguta Museveni Tibuhaburwa and his counterpart His Excellency President Professor Faustin-Archange Touadéra of the Central African Republic for their immense support towards this repatriation exercise as well as the government that opened the doors of this country to all Ugandans, especially those that fell prey to the blood-thirsty negative forces like Joseph Kony to return home.
She also remarked that the president initiated the Juba peace talks, which saw many Ex- LRA fighters that had been recruited to fight against negative, forces return home, and many of them received amnesty from the government and were disarmed, demobilized, and resettled within their communities.
“Some of those who committed terrible crimes against innocent Ugandans, have either remained in hiding, but of course their days are numbered. Those who were captured were subjected to justice as we all know,” She noted.
Nabbanja also lauded the Defense and Veterans Affairs Minister Hon Vincent Ssempija, the CDF, and the technical team for a job well done in this bloodless rescue military operation.
“I am aware that many other stakeholders, specifically the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Chambers of the Attorney General, United Nations Mission in Central Africa (MINUSCA) PAX-Netherlands and and Actions Pour la Promotion Rurale (APRu) has equally supported this process and therefore I thank you immensely for a job well done,” she added.
Nabbanja highlighted that the government will do all it takes to guarantee their security as she also works with other stakeholders to help them reintegrate and resettle in their local communities.
“I know that you are repentant and will henceforth be law abiding citizens and participating in developmental government programs just like those you left behind are doing,” she concluded.
The minister of defense and veterans affairs, Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja said that those back in the bush, are fighting against their will and they are being used to fight wars in these countries.
He also noted that the number was deducted by one person (a lady) that gave birth just a day before their flight date but she is being taken care of by the UPDF medical team and she is safe and hoping to return with the group that will come next.
Dr Ali Ochaye the Ex fighter group leader appreciated the president of the Republic of Uganda, Gen. Otto, Joseph Lwakamoi the chief from Kitgum district, the minister of defense and veterans affairs, and the UPDF fraternity for helping them return to the country.
“Am happy to see the land I was born, this is my land. It wasn’t my wish because I was abducted from Gulu, Pabor division (now Amuru),” he concluded.
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