UPDF, South Sudan Authorities Facilitate Return of 13 Ugandans

Authorities from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), in collaboration with South Sudanese counterparts, have returned 13 Ugandans, comprising 11 adults and two children, from South Sudan.

The process followed coordinated efforts between the UPDF’s Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security, Major General Richard Otto, and his South Sudanese counterpart, the Chief of Military Intelligence.

The returnees were received by the Resident City Commissioner (RCC ) – Gulu City, Mr Onario Ambrose who represented Hon Beatrice Akello Akoli the State minister for Northern uganda.

Mr. 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, and encouraged them to look forward to a future filled with hope and opportunity.

He commended all stakeholders and institutions that contributed to the successful repatriation process.

The returnees were handed over to Terra Renaissance, a rehabilitation and reintegration organisation led by Japanese national Mr. Shingo.

Through Terra Renaissance’s rehabilitation and mindset transformation programmes, the returnees will receive support to facilitate their reintegration into civilian life. The programme includes vocational and life-skills training aimed at equipping them with practical knowledge and sustainable livelihood opportunities.

In addition, the returnees are expected to benefit from government empowerment initiatives such as the Parish Development Model (PDM) and Emyooga.

The Prime Minister of Ker Kwaro Acholi, Mr. 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 receive 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 applauded President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni for supporting peace negotiations and initiatives that promoted peaceful returns during and after the Lord’s Resistance Army (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 observed that many Ugandans have previously fallen victim to false promises of employment, financial gain, and other opportunities, only to find themselves recruited into armed conflicts.