The State Minister for Northern Uganda Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny on behalf of the government in collaboration with other stakeholders from the military, religious leaders,NG0’s local authorities have welcomed a total of 141 ex- combatants of the lord resistance Army (LRA) at Apru Pax an NGO at pece pawel central in Gulu district.
Kwiyucwiny while addressing the returnees on December 30,2023 in Gulu, applauded and thanked them for abandoning the rebellion and returning home.
“Thank you for making that good decision and as they say, East,West home is best, thank you for keeping the Uganda culture because almost all of you can speak the Acholi language,”Kwiyucwiny said.
She added by appreciating President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and all government leaders who were involved in the facilitation of the returnees.
” The president didn’t bring you back home to suffer, but to enjoy peace and live a good life, the government has prepared amnesty for them and cautioned them against engaging in bad acts that will get them dragged to courts,” Kwiyucwiny said.
Brig.Gen.John Musoke the Deputy commander of the 4th infantry Division, who represented the Division commander appreciated the key players in enabling the successful return of the ex- LRA combatants home.
” We assure you of your safety and security and we also urge parents to keep guiding and advising their children. The leaders of the communities sensitize the citizens for a better Uganda,” Brig.Gen. Musoke said.
Dr. Ocaya who spoke on behalf of the returnees commenced government and the Uganda peoples Defense Forces ( UPDF), leadership for bringing them back home safely.
” It was not willingness to be in the bush, we ask for total forgiveness and we have come back with peace, ” said Dr. Ocaya.
The function was attended by the Chairperson Technical Committee Brig Gen Patrick Ocen and Resident City Commissioner Mrs. Jane Francese Okili.
Mayor Gulu City Mr. Alfred Okwonga, Coordinator APRU Pax Mr. John Lumumba, LCV Gulu district Mr. Opiyo Christopher, Members of the Parliament from Northern Uganda, Religious leaders, Cultural leaders, and government leaders among others.
