Amnesty boss advises convicts

By John Thawite THE Uganda Amnesty Commission boss has advised treason convicts who wish to be pardoned to declare themselves to the prison or judicial officers who tried them. “People formally charged with offences, and are in lawful detention, have to declare to the prison officer or magistrate before whom they were tried, that they have renounced the rebellion and want to apply for amnesty,” Justice P.K.K. Onega said. He was recently speaking at the launching of the Commission’s western regional headquarters in Kasese. Onega also advised rebels who wish to surrender, to report to the nearest army or police unit chief, a local government leader, or a religious leader within the locality. “They would then surrender any weapon in their possession and be issued with an Amnesty certificate,” he said. He said the Commission had opened an office in Gulu, Arua and Kitgum, and would open another in Mbale. The Kasese deputy Resident District Commissioner, Aggrey Mwami, flanked by the district vice-chairman, Joseph Kule, officiated at the function.