Former LRA Abductees Return Home After Decades in Captivity
At least 12 former abductees of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA), who later became part of the rebel group, have been repatriated and received in Gulu City after spending decades in captivity.
The group escaped from the Central African Republic in 2025 and was first received by South Sudanese authorities before being handed over to Ugandan officials. They were welcomed in Gulu by the Resident City Commissioner, Ambrose Onario, on behalf of the State Minister for Northern Uganda, Beatrice Akello Akori.
Their return brings the total number of former LRA returnees rehabilitated since 2006 to 488.
The repatriation was facilitated by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in collaboration with their South Sudanese counterparts. The 12 returnees, comprising adults and children, were transferred from South Sudan following coordinated efforts between the UPDF Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, and the South Sudanese Chief of Military Intelligence.
While receiving the returnees, Onario urged them to embrace reconciliation and focus on rebuilding their lives rather than seeking revenge.
“When we heal together, we grow together,” he said, encouraging them to look forward to a future filled with hope and opportunity.
He also commended all stakeholders and institutions that contributed to the successful repatriation process.
The returnees were subsequently handed over to Terra Renaissance, a rehabilitation and reintegration organisation led by Japanese national Mr. Shingo. Through its rehabilitation and mindset transformation programmes, the organisation will provide support to facilitate their reintegration into civilian life.
The programme includes vocational and life-skills training aimed at equipping the returnees with practical knowledge and sustainable livelihood opportunities. They are also expected to benefit from government empowerment initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.
The Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi, Martin Okumu, praised the UPDF for its efforts in securing the safe return of the Ugandans. He emphasized that Northern Uganda has moved beyond conflict and called upon communities to warmly welcome the returnees.
“These are our family members and part of one community,” he said.
Representing the Acholi Religious Leaders Peace Initiative, Sheikh Musa Kalimu, the Assistant Mufti of the Acholi Sub-region, also commended the UPDF for facilitating the repatriation. He further praised President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting peace initiatives and negotiations that encouraged peaceful returns during and after the LRA insurgency.
Meanwhile, security agencies cautioned Ugandans against being lured by individuals or groups seeking to exploit them for personal, political, or military interests.
Authorities noted that many Ugandans have previously fallen victim to false promises of employment, financial gain, and other opportunities, only to find themselves recruited into rebel activities.
