Former Lord’s Resistance Army Combatants Urged To Embrace A Life Of Dignity

The Central African Republic Minister of State in charge of Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration, Repatriation and Monitoring of the Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation, Jean Willybiro Sako has cautioned ex-Lord’s Resistance Army combatants against indiscipline in their areas of settlement in order to live with dignity.

“You are no longer guerillas of the bush; you are now heads of families. Those girls are daughters of parents, they need to be looked after, taken care of and considered as human beings,” said Hon. Sako during a visit yesterday by teams from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs and the Central African Republic to the Lord’s Resistance Army ex-Combatants and their families at the transit camp in Migyera, Nakasongola District.

Mr. Sako in his speech recognized the efforts of the stakeholders that implemented the instructions given by the heads of state such that the ex-combatants were reintegrated in a befitting manner.

“I thank those that were involved in the process and for the arrangements done so far as they prepare the team to its final destination.”

The representative of the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, Maj Gen Richard Otto assured the guests that the government under the Office of the Prime Minister working closely with other partners who have been supporting the process will take care of the welfare of the ex-combatants.

He added that the government built a good school that has been receiving children abducted and born in captivity some of whom have graduated.

Present were: the Ambassador of Belgium to Uganda, H.E Hugues Chantry, Leopold Bruno Izamo, the Inspector General of the Central African Republic Army, Chief of Legal Service, Brig Gen Godard Busingye, Col David Lumumba, Deputy Defence Spokesperson, Deo Akiiki, representatives from the Dutch Embassy in Uganda, representatives from Acholi region among others.