Today in History: Former Lord's Resistance Army Combatants Return Home After Years in Exile

What the report says

Nile Post’s “Today in History” feature recalls the July 22, 2023 return to Uganda of the first group of former Lord’s Resistance Army combatants and relatives who had surrendered in the Central African Republic. According to the report, a chartered aircraft landed at Entebbe Military Airbase with 61 Ugandans: 14 ex-combatants, 14 wives and 33 children. The group had reportedly lived for years in forested areas of eastern Central African Republic near Mboki after separating from Joseph Kony’s weakened rebel formation.

The returnees were headed by Ali Acaye, also known by the wartime alias “Doctor,” whom Nile Post described as one of the senior LRA figures to defect. Their arrival was attended by Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja, then Defence Minister Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja, senior Uganda People’s Defence Forces officers, Acholi and Lango cultural leaders, and diplomats.

Nile Post reported that Nabbanja pledged government support for the group’s reintegration and urged communities in northern Uganda to receive them without discrimination. Ssempijja framed the homecoming as part of efforts to close a painful period in Uganda’s history, while Acaye, speaking for the returnees, thanked those who facilitated the process and pledged they would not resume armed rebellion.

After arriving, the group entered government-backed demobilisation and rehabilitation arrangements, including health checks, psychosocial support and preparation for return to their communities. The development matters because the LRA insurgency caused mass displacement and deep trauma in northern Uganda, and such returns are presented as part of wider efforts by Uganda, regional actors and international partners to encourage defections and family reunification.