Mr Nathan Twine, Principal Legal Officer of the Amnesty Commission, has urged former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) combatants to embrace peace and good behaviour upon reintegration into their communities.
Speaking at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs (MODVA) Headquarters in Mbuya, Kampala, Mr Twine emphasised the need to respect the law, warning, “We expect you to behave well when you go back to the community and don’t sin again because if you’re caught in any act that is contrary to the laws, the law will work upon you.”
“Be careful not to sin again, become a normal person who is good,” he added.
The Amnesty Commission, which facilitates the implementation of the Amnesty Act of 2000, is dedicated to fostering peace and reconciliation in Uganda. Mr Twine praised the Mbuya Centre for Community Organisation and Bridge Way Foundation for providing ex-combatants with practical skills such as sewing, painting, mechanics, and baking, as well as offering medical support, psycho-social education, and spiritual counselling.
Each ex-combatant receives a certificate confirming their forgiveness and reintegration into society, ready to pursue productive activities. Mr Twine clarified, “Whatever sin(s) you committed in the bush has been forgiven, upon receiving the certificate, but sins are forgiven only once.”
Mr Ahmed, a former ADF combatant, thanked the Ugandan government and the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their role in restoring peace in the Democratic Republic of Congo. “Thanks for showing us a good heart and helping us; we have learned a lot of things while at Mbuya Centre for Community Organisation that will help us transform our lives,” he said.
This group marks the fourth cohort of ex-ADF combatants, including 25 individuals (20 from Uganda and 5 from the Democratic Republic of Congo), who underwent a three-month rehabilitation at the Mbuya Centre for Community Organisation. Bridge Way Foundation will continue to support them for at least a year after their reintegration with their families.
The Amnesty Commission remains committed to its vision of a “Peace and Conflict-free Uganda.”
Senior officials, including Deputy Director of Defence Public Information Col Deo Akiiki, UPDF officers, and members of the Amnesty Commission, attended the event.
