UPDF Urges ADF Rebels to Seek Amnesty

The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces-UPDF has urged Allied Democratic Forces-ADF rebels in the Eastern parts of DRC to accept an offer for amnesty.

Last week, the UPDF launched joint air and artillery attacks with their DRC counterparts, against the ADF cells particularly in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.

However, the Commander of the operation Maj. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga says they are keen to give amnesty to rebels who are willing to surrender, emphasizing that the overall target of this operation is to reinstall peace in the Eastern part of DRC.

He adds that the militants who give up their weapons would benefit from a rehabilitation program, including educational and training opportunities.

Muhanga says that they are holding community engagements targeted at changing attitudes and perceptions about the UPDF’s deployment in the area.

He adds that UPDF operates on the principle of working with the local communities.

The operation commander also said the ground forces have advanced towards the target in spite of a setback with the bad roads in the neighbouring country.

FARDC regimental commander, Col David Omari says they the joint operation will end the insurgency in the region to enable socio-economic developments. URN