A total of 75 former Allied Democratic Forces(ADF) fighters have been granted amnesty by government through the Uganda Amnesty Commission.
The 75 who include children, former combatants, those captured and others who surrendered from eastern DRC include 24 Ugandans, 48 Congolese, 2 Burundians and a Tanzanian.
Speaking on Friday at the Ministry of Defence headquarters in Mbuya, the defence spokesperson, Brig Felix Kulayigye applauded Bridgeway Foundation for partnering with Uganda in its efforts of ensuring that the former abductees are given a chance to new life and a future that is assured rather than being in captivity.
Bridgeway Foundation provides psycho-somatic treatment, de-radicalization sessions, the learning of trades and socio-community reintegration for these former fighters.
Brig Kulayigye said that after undergoing rehabilitation and counselling, the 75 captives and defectors will be supported to enable them start a new life through the vocational skills they have learned.
Nathan Twinomugisha from the Amnesty Commission said that they have prepared certificates for the Ugandans that will enable them live normal lives.
The rehabilitated thanked the government of Uganda and UPDF for rehabilitating and counselling them.
“We have learnt the true Islamic religion and its true and peaceful nature. We have been skilled and we can earn a living through tailoring, bakery, liquid soap making and many others. I and my friends hope to be better citizens and make great families and engage in business for a better life,” said a former female speaker who spent time within the ADF camps.
During the function, the former ADF combatants performed demonstrations showing their life in the ADF camps.
