Amnesty Commission warns former ADF rebels against rejoining rebellion

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | Former rebels of the Allied Democratic Force-ADF have been warned against collaborating with the rebel groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo-DRC.

Amnesty Commission Uganda says any pardoned person who will engage in any activities aimed at threatening national security will have their amnesty canceled and prosecuted.

The warning follows security operations where more than 30 ADF rebels have been picked from the Rwenzori region in the last month. Last week, security forces shot and killed four suspected rebels in Ntoroko district.

Ronald Ssekatawa, the Western regional coordinator for Amnesty Commission says that some of the former ADF rebels are part of those arrested for allegedly aiding ADF activities in neighboring DRC.

He adds that the commission had received intelligence reports that some of the reporters from Kasese, Ntoroko, and Bundibugyo districts were giving out information to the rebels.

Ssekatawa says the commission is continuing to support the development of former rebels purposely to help them start income-generating activities. He notes that this could also divert them from attempts of getting back into rebellious activities.

Justus Sibuhirwa, the chairperson LC1 of Isango cell in Isango sub county, which borders DRC wants the government to keep monitoring and mentoring the reporters so that they are not persuaded to get back to the bush.

He argues that once the group is organized and supported, they may not be lured back into rebel activities.

Jessica Mbabu, an ex-rebel asked fellow ex-combatants not to engage in any subversive activities but to appreciate the government’s support.

Sabastian Muhindo asked the government to improve the well-being of former rebels so that they can be exemplary to those who remain rooted in rebellious activities. He argues that most of them were persuaded into the bush due to lack of jobs.

The commission since 2016, has received more than 2,000 former ADF rebels in Kasese and Bundibugyo, and more than 27,000 across the country.

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