A group of 46 former members of Joseph Kony’s Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), including ex-combatants and their families, has returned to Uganda following a repatriation exercise coordinated by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) from the Central African Republic (CAR).
The returnees arrived at Gulu Airfield in northern Uganda on Monday after being flown from CAR through Juba, South Sudan.
The group comprises former fighters, women, including individuals previously associated with LRA leader Joseph Kony, and 23 children born during captivity. The returnees also include nationals from Uganda, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Upon arrival, they were received by family members, religious leaders, military officials, and local authorities.
However, the returnees were not immediately reunited with their communities. They were instead transferred to the Terra Renaissance Rehabilitation Centre in Gulu, where they will undergo medical screening, psychosocial support, counselling, and reintegration preparation.
Speaking on behalf of the returnees, Richard Ouma appealed for forgiveness and support as they begin a new chapter in civilian life.
“We ask for your guidance, support and forgiveness as we return to civilian life,” Ouma said.
Among those who welcomed the group were Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama, Chief of Defence Intelligence Major General Richard Otto, Gulu City Mayor Julius Labeja Gunya, representatives of Operation Wealth Creation, and other leaders.
Religious, military, and civic leaders used the occasion to call for reconciliation and urged communities to embrace the returnees rather than stigmatize them.
Archbishop Emeritus Odama described the safe return of the group as another milestone in northern Uganda’s journey towards healing and lasting peace. He urged communities to receive the former captives with compassion, understanding, and forgiveness.
Major General Richard Otto emphasized that forgiveness, social acceptance, and community support are critical to successful reintegration.
Gulu City Mayor Julius Labeja Gunya commended President Yoweri Museveni and Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba for supporting the amnesty programme and ongoing peace efforts.
“Today is a happy day for Uganda and for the Acholi community as we receive 46 former captives from LRA captivity. Many thanks to the President and the CDF for ensuring that the peace process continues through amnesty,” he said.
Jimmy Fred Otema, head of the Terra Renaissance sub-office, said the organisation would provide immediate counselling and psychosocial support as the returnees await government resettlement assistance.
Traditional leaders also announced plans to conduct cultural reconciliation and cleansing ceremonies aimed at restoring broken community ties.
Martin Okumu, Deputy Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi, said the rituals would play an important role in promoting healing and social restoration. He explained that each returnee would participate in a traditional egg-stepping ritual, symbolizing purity, innocence, and a fresh beginning.
Earlier this year, authorities repatriated two of Kony’s wives along with their children as part of ongoing efforts to encourage defections and support reintegration.
Despite continued repatriation efforts and a steady stream of defections over the years, Joseph Kony remains at large, and his whereabouts are still unknown.
