The Amnesty Commission has praised the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their exceptional work in bringing peace to the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and for their effective implementation of the Amnesty Act.
Mr. Draku Moses, the Principal Public Relations Officer of the Amnesty Commission, spoke to the media at the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs in Mbuya. He was there to announce the release of the third group of former Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) combatants and victims who had completed their rehabilitation. This group included 30 individuals—13 from the Democratic Republic of Congo and 17 from Uganda—who will soon be reunited with their families.
Mr. Draku advised these individuals to adhere to government laws and behave well when they return to their communities. He encouraged them to use the skills they acquired during rehabilitation to improve their living conditions. He also thanked the Bridgeway Foundation for its support in rehabilitating ex-ADF combatants and victims by providing them with skills to better their lives.
Mr. Tumwebaze Noah, the project manager of the Bridgeway Foundation, explained that the ex-ADF combatants and victims had undergone a four-month rehabilitation program. During this time, they learned skills such as baking, tailoring, mechanics, craft-making, and received spiritual counseling to counteract the harmful ADF ideology. They also received medical care. He warned Ugandans to be cautious of ADF recruitment strategies that promise jobs abroad and Islamic religious education.
The Bridgeway Foundation promised to continue supporting these individuals after they reunite with their families. This support includes enrolling them in formal education and vocational training programs. During the event, five former ADF combatants received Amnesty certificates. Additionally, the Bridgeway Foundation signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs to continue rehabilitating captured combatants and providing them with skills before they rejoin their families.
The event was attended by several notable figures, including the Deputy Director of Public Information, Colonel Deo Akiiki, UPDF officers, and representatives from the Amnesty Commission and Bridgeway Foundation.
