A group of 46 former Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) combatants has returned to Uganda following a coordinated repatriation operation led by the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF).
The returnees, who had surrendered in the Central African Republic (CAR), were flown back to Uganda via Juba, South Sudan. The group comprises individuals originating from four countries: Uganda, the Central African Republic, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The aircraft carrying the 46 former combatants landed at Gulu Airfield at 11:07 a.m., where they were received by family members, religious leaders and senior military officials.
Among those present were Archbishop Emeritus John Baptist Odama and Major General Richard Otto, the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
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At 11:55 a.m., the returnees were escorted under security convoy to the SOS Rehabilitation Centre in Gulu, which will serve as their temporary accommodation and transitional facility.
Speaking on behalf of the group, returnee Richard Ouma appealed for forgiveness and support as they begin reintegration into civilian life.
"We are from three different countries," Ouma said. "We ask for your guidance, help, and to show us the way, and also to forgive us."
Military and civic leaders called for reconciliation and peaceful reintegration, urging communities to avoid stigmatizing the returnees.
Major General Otto and Gulu City Mayor Julius Labeja Gunya emphasized the importance of forgiveness and social acceptance, while Archbishop Emeritus Odama urged the public to embrace the former combatants with compassion.
Before full reintegration, the returnees will undergo psychosocial support and rehabilitation. Jimmy Fred Otema, head of the Terra Renaissance sub-office, said the organization will provide immediate counselling and support as the group awaits government resettlement assistance.
Traditional leaders have also indicated plans for cultural reconciliation ceremonies. Martin Okumu, Deputy Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi, said the Acholi cultural institution will conduct cleansing rituals to help restore broken community ties.
Archbishop Emeritus Odama reiterated his appeal for forgiveness, saying the safe return of former captives reflects a long journey toward peace and reconciliation in northern Uganda.
