The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has clarified that the Ugandan nationals repatriated into the country last week were hired mercenaries fighting for the South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-in-Opposition (SPLM-IO), and not defectors from the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA).
The UPDF in collaboration with the government of South Sudan repatriated the group from Juba on Friday last week.
The returnees include seven adult men, four women, and two children, who are currently undergoing rehabilitation in Gulu City.
Initial reports had indicated that the group had defected from the LRA rebel outfit led by elusive rebel leader Joseph Kony from the Central African Republic (CAR).
However, the Commander of the Fourth Infantry Division, Maj Gen Felix Busizoori told Favour fm in an interview that the returnees were actually members of the SPLM-IO who had been recruited to fight against the South Sudan government.
According to Gen Busizoori, the group had largely been operating in South Sudan under the SPLM-IO rebel movement and should not be categorized as former LRA combatants.
Alex Oyet, the coordinator of Ker Kwaro Acholi in East Acholi, also confirms that assessments conducted after the group’s arrival established that most of the returnees had been operating under the SPLM-IO.
Oyet had earlier told stakeholders during the welcoming ceremony last Friday that the returnees had been engaging with the Acholi Cultural Institution since 2023.
By URN
Leave a Reply