Odama warns cultural, political leaders against return to war as 46 ex-LRA abductees return home

Odama made the remarks on Sunday during the reception of 46 former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) abductees and ex-combatants who returned to Uganda after spending nearly two decades in captivity.

The returnees, comprising 40 Ugandans and six foreign nationals, were repatriated from Dafu in South Sudan through a joint effort involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), the Acholi Cultural Institution, and South Sudanese authorities.

The repatriation followed coordination between the UPDF Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, and his South Sudanese counterpart.

Speaking at the reception in Gulu, Odama reflected on the peace negotiations that helped end the LRA insurgency and credited dialogue for the relative peace currently enjoyed in Northern Uganda.

“The negotiations opened a door for us to achieve the peace we are experiencing today and without the President’s willingness to negotiate, there would not have been peace,” Odama said.

He warned leaders against allowing any form of war mobilisation to take root again.

“Cultural leaders and political leaders should not tolerate war again; say no to war and reject any political group trying to create conflict, lure people into violence, or brainwash young people into thinking about war,” Odama said.

The archbishop also urged communities to welcome the returnees and avoid stigmatising them.

“We should not isolate these children. Let them live in the community without feeling like strangers and they should feel at home,” he said, pledging to support them whenever they face challenges.

Gulu West Division Mayor Gifter Aber assured the returnees of the city’s support throughout their rehabilitation process and appealed to those still in captivity to return home.

“We still miss them and let them know there is peace here and they are welcome back home,” Aber said.

Pece-Pawel Central Cell LC I Chairperson Canowira Charles also encouraged the returnees to embrace rehabilitation and become responsible members of society.

“As local leaders, we shall protect you. Focus on rebuilding your lives and avoid getting involved in crime after reintegration,” he said.

Martin Okumu, the Deputy Prime Minister of the Acholi Cultural Institution and Minister for Finance, Planning and Investment, praised all stakeholders involved in securing the return of the abductees.

“As a cultural institution, we are ready to receive them and support their reconciliation process,” Okumu said.

“We shall organise traditional cleansing and welcome ceremonies as we have done for previous returnees,” he added.

He explained that the returnees would undergo traditional Acholi reconciliation rituals, including Nyono Tong Gweno (stepping on an egg) and Chupu Lakara, ceremonies intended to cleanse and reintegrate individuals returning from conflict.

Okumu further urged communities to stop stigmatizing former abductees.

“They are part of our families and our society and we must reassure them that they belong and support their reintegration,” he said.

Otema Jimmy, Director of Terra Renaissance, said the organization has been supporting former abductees and war-affected communities since 2006 through trauma healing, psycho-social support, education, and vocational skills training.

“We provide rehabilitation, trauma therapy, educational support for children born in captivity, and long-term skills development to help returnees rebuild their lives,” Jimmy said.

He noted that the organization works closely with the UPDF, the Office of the Prime Minister, and cultural institutions to facilitate healing and successful reintegration.

Representing the Office of the Prime Minister, Gulu City Resident City Commissioner Ambrose Onario called on cultural institutions to lead reconciliation efforts and urged communities to forgive the returnees rather than seek revenge.

“Northern Uganda has many development programmes that can support returnees and no one should be left behind as we pursue economic recovery and prosperity in Acholi,” Onario said.

The 46 returnees were officially handed over to Terra Renaissance for rehabilitation and reintegration support.

Maj. Gen. Richard Otto assured the six foreign nationals among the group that the Ugandan government would coordinate with authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo to facilitate their safe return home.

According to the Amnesty Commission, the LRA insurgency displaced more than 1.5 million people, claimed thousands of lives, and led to the abduction of tens of thousands. More than 20,000 former abductees have since returned and been reintegrated into their communities.