2,000 ADF granted amnesty, says official

May 31, 2007

OVER 2,000 former rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have been granted amnesty since 2000.

By Emmanuel Kajubu

OVER 2,000 former rebels of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) have been granted amnesty since 2000.

The Amnesty commissioner in-charge of the western region, monsignor Thomas Kisembo, said the rebels had been reunited with their families.

“The commission has in the last seven years tried to work for peace and as a result more than 2,000 former ADF rebels have benefited from the Amnesty Act,” Kisembo said.

He was on Tuesday addressing participants during a workshop to sensitise political and security leaders from Kabarole, Kamwenge, Kasese, Bundibugyo and Kyenjojo districts on the Amnesty Act. The function took place at Kenneth Inn, Fort Portal.

The Amnesty commission chairperson, Justice Peter Onega, said despite information through radio stations and pamphlets calling upon people to abandon rebellion, rebel leaders discouraged their fighters from surrendering, saying they would be prosecuted.

Kisembo said the former rebels were given amnesty certificates and trained in carpentry, weaving and sewing.

He added that the commission had set up a centre in Kilembe, Kasese district where some members of the community had also been trained with the former rebels.
“We want the former combatants to live together with the community.”

Kisembo appealed to residents not to harm the rebels who have surrendered to the UPDF.

Kabarole deputy resident district commissioner Deborah Mbabazi urged district leaders to set up projects for the youth so that they could earn income and not be tempted to join rebel groups. “Some of the youths who are in rebellion have been lured by certain elements promising them employment and financial assistance.”

Mbabazi urged leaders to sensitise people about the amnesty act and called on insurgents to abandon rebellion.

She said rebellion in the Rwenzori region has disrupted lives and affected development.

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