The Amnesty Commission commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their outstanding efforts in restoring peace in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo and implementing the Amnesty Act.

Mr. Draku Moses, the Principal Public Relations Officer of the Amnesty Commission, addressed the media at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in Mbuya, during the release of the third cohort of ex-Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) combatants and victims who had undergone rehabilitation. The group of 30 individuals, comprising 13 from the Democratic Republic of Congo and 17 from Uganda, will be reunited with their families.

Mr. Draku urged them to behave well and follow government laws upon their return to their respective communities. He encouraged them to utilize their acquired skills to improve their living standards. He also thanked the Bridgeway Foundation for supporting the rehabilitation of ex-ADF combatants and victims by equipping them with skills to transform their lives.

The project manager of Bridgeway Foundation, Mr. Tumwebaze Noah, stated that the ex-ADF combatants and victims had undergone a four-month rehabilitation program, acquiring skills such as baking, tailoring, mechanics, craft-making, and spiritual counseling aimed at correcting the wrong ADF ideology. They also received medical support. He warned Ugandans not to fall prey to ADF recruitment tactics, promising jobs abroad and Islamic Religious Education.

The foundation pledged to continue supporting the individuals even after their reunion with their families, by enrolling them in formal education and vocational schools. Five ex-ADF combatants received Amnesty certificates at the event. Additionally, the Bridgeway Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs to rehabilitate captured combatants and equip them with skills before reuniting them with their families.

In attendance were: the Deputy Director of Public Information Col Deo Akiiki, UPDF officers, and representatives from the Amnesty Commission and Bridgeway Foundation, among others.