Over 28,000 former rebels granted amnesty since 1986, Amnesty Commission reveals

25 February 2026, 1:33 pm

By Edwin Okurmu Kisa

More than 28,340 Ugandans who previously participated in rebel activities have been granted amnesty since 1986, according to the Amnesty Commission.

This was revealed by the Chairperson of the Amnesty Commission, Justice P.K.K. Onega, while presenting the Commission’s progress at the Uganda Media Centre on Wednesday.

Justice Onega said the beneficiaries include individuals who were involved in insurgent activities, either by participating directly in combat, collaborating with rebel groups, or supporting rebellion in various ways. He explained that the amnesty process allows former combatants to abandon armed rebellion and reintegrate into civilian life through the Commission’s demobilization programme.

He noted that the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) accounts for the largest number of former combatants granted amnesty, with about 13,605 reporters. Other groups include the West Nile Bank Front, which contributed over 6,580 former fighters, and the Uganda National Rescue Front II (UNRF II), with more than 3,250 reporters.

Justice Onega added that the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) also contributed 2,764 former combatants, while more than 2,140 others came from 26 smaller rebel groups that are no longer active.

He emphasized that beyond granting amnesty, the Commission also supports resettlement, reintegration, dialogue, reconciliation, and public sensitization to promote lasting peace and national unity.

Justice Onega said the amnesty programme remains a key tool in encouraging former rebels to abandon armed conflict and contribute positively to Uganda’s development.