A group of 141 former Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) combatants have denounced rebellion and returned home.

The ex-rebels were received at the SOS Community Centre, Pece Pawel Central, in Gulu district on Saturday. The NGO pledged to give them food, medical attention, and other necessities.

The state minister for Northern Uganda Grace Freedom Kwiyucwiny commended the ex-combatants for their decision to abandon rebellion and return home.

“Thank you for making that good decision because East or West home is best. I also thank you for keeping the Ugandan culture because almost all of you can speak Acholi language,” Kwiyucwiny said.

The minister commended President Yoweri Museveni and all government leaders for facilitating the ex-rebels to come back home.

“The President did not bring you home to suffer but to enjoy the peace and live a good life. Our government does not segregate, discriminate and it will look after you as any other citizen of this country,” she assured the ex-rebels.

Kwiyucwiny also told the ex LRA combatants that the Government will grant them amnesty, cautioning them against engaging in bad acts that will result to them being dragged to the courts of law.

The 4th Infantry Division Deputy Commander Brig Gen John Musoke who represented the Division Commander thanked the key players who enabled the ex-LRA combatants to return home.

Musoke assured them of their safety and security and called upon the leaders to sensitize the citizens for a better Uganda.

The Archbishop of Gulu Archdiocese, John Baptist Odama called upon the people to forgive the ex-LRA combatants because they are their children and encouraged all the people to live in peace and harmony.

On behalf of the returnees, Doctor Ocaya commended the Government of Uganda and the UPDF leadership for bringing them back home.

“It was not willingness to be in the bush, we ask for total forgiveness and we have come back with one heart to stay with you in peace,” Ocaya said.

The function was attended by the Chairperson Technical Committee Brig Gen Patrick Ocen and Resident City Commissioner Mrs. Jane Francese Okili.

Mayor Gulu City 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.