Kampala — The Amnesty Commission on Saturday issued amnesty certificates to 161 former LRA combatants, mainly women and children, at Pajule Reception and Rehabilitation centre.

Raphael Makoha, who is in charge of the demobilisation and resettlement team (DRT) of the Amnesty Commission in Kitgum, Pader, Apac and Lira districts officiated at the function.

Makoha said the certificates given were legal proof of non-prosecution and pardoning to the former combatants, who were granted amnesty under the Amnesty Act 2000.

He said seeking amnesty was voluntary and that those who had fought the ruling government but wanted amnesty could be pardoned without punishment or conviction.