Kampala | Prime Minister of Uganda Robinah Nabbanja has applauded President Yoweri Museveni for putting into practice what he preaches.
Nabbanja made the remarks on September 28, 2023, while receiving ex-LRA combatants and their families back home from CAR.
This is the last phase of resettlement proceeding the two that were repatriated earlier in July and August, according to UPDF.
Among the returnees are 15 men, 14 women and 32 children who were received at Entebbe Air Base.
“Uganda is lucky to have a President in the name of Yoweri Kaguta Museveni. You can see where we are. The President has done this and I want to thank him. He wants to open Africa for everybody to enjoy,” said Nabbanja.
The Prime Minister pledged to support the ex-combatants to integrate and resettle into the community just like the ones that have been resettled before.
“These children of Africa are our sisters and brothers. They are going to be given all the support and they will live happily in their country,” said Nabbanja.
The Central African Republic Minister of State in charge of Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, Repatriation and Monitoring of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, Jean Willybiro Sako applauded the efforts of both governments to see that this program comes to a reality.
He recognized the efforts of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilisation Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) that secured the areas, especially Mboki, the Ex-LRA area base.
The Minister of Justice and Constitutional Affairs, Nobert Mao lauded President Museveni and the prime movers of the resolution for their belief in the spirit of humanity (Ubuntu).
Mao thanked returnees for their decision to come back home.
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“It is that thing that drives him to send our UPDF to fight and stabilize other countries and generally to open our doors to refugees. The spirit of humanity (Ubuntu). If we are able to welcome foreigners as refugees, then why not our own?” said Mao.
The chairperson of the Acholi Parliamentary Group and MP Kilak North Akol Anthony noted that a number of people from the region himself inclusive have been in LRA but have returned and gone back to school.
“I am now a Member of Parliament,” he added.
He urged the returnees to work hard after repatriation and also urged the government to make an effort to reach out to Kony and give him amnesty.
Robert Kidega, an ex-commander of LRA thanked the Presidents of Uganda and the Central African Republic and other partners for their efforts towards ensuring they return home.
Also read: Ex-LRA rebels and their families, back home
“I was abducted when I was still young. This is the last lot of the people who had remained and I thank them for returning in good shape,” as he requested the government to support them and look at how to resettle them to see that they are like other Ugandans.
Reintegrating and resettling the ex-LRA rebels is in accordance with the Amnesty Act that was passed in 2000, to any LRA member willing to renounce conflict and surrender weapons.
In attendance to welcome returnees were State Minister of Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Resettlement HE Jean Willybiro Sako, Cabinet Ministers, Ambassadors, Generals from the UPDF, local and cultural leaders, and representatives from the Central African Republic.