The government of Uganda, through the Amnesty Commission, has pardoned a total of seventy-five ex-combatants (captives and defectors) of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) who have been undergoing rehabilitation.

The 75, who include combatants, defectors, and unaccompanied minors, were rescued from the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) following the heightened Operation Shujaa. They include 24 Ugandans, 48 Congolese, two Burundians, and one Tanzanian.

The Defence Spokesperson, Brigadier General Felix Kulayigye, commended the Bridgeway Foundation for partnering with Uganda in its efforts to ensure that the former abductees are given a chance to a new life and a future that is assured rather than being in captivity.

Brig Gen Kulayigye said that after undergoing rehabilitation and counseling, the 75 captives and defectors will be supported to enable them to start a new life through the vocational skills they have learned.

Nathan Twinomugisha, the Amnesty Commission chief legal officer said that they have prepared certificates for the Ugandans that will enable them to live normal lives.

The rehabilitated thanked the government of Uganda and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for rehabilitating and counseling them.

“We have learned the true Islamic religion and its true and peaceful nature. We have been skilled, and we can earn a living through tailoring, baking, liquid soap making, and many others. Me and my friends hope to be better citizens, make great families, and engage in business for a better life,” a former female speaker who spent time within the ADF camps said.

The ex-ADF captives had earlier performed demonstrations showing their lives in the ADF camps. This follows President Museveni’s directive that the former ADF rebels who had either surrendered or been captured share their experiences and give insights into the activities of the ADF.