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Bamuze’s UNRF II Bag 4b/- To Resettle
By Ahmed Angulibo
and A. Ayiga Ondoga
THE long-awaited peace deal between the Government and the UNRF II rebels is signed.
The Uganda National Rescue Front former rebels will receive sh4.2b for resettlement and 10 government positions. UNRF II commanders retain their ranks.
The peace agreement was signed on December 24 at Yumbe Boma Ground. The first deputy prime minister and minister of internal affairs, Eriya Kategaya, signed for the Government. UNRF II chief Maj. Gen. Ali Bamuze signed for his side.
President Yoweri Museveni presided over the ceremony.
After signing, Bamuze handed over his troops and arms along with their inventory to the UPDF.
Museveni handed over the troops to Col. Nathan Mugisha of 4th Division.
“Demobilisation and reintegration of these former combatants who are to resettle in civilian life shall be done co-currently within 30 days after the signing of this agreement. During that period, the former combatants shall stay at Bidibidi camp as the Amnesty Commission processes their amnesty certificates and initial resettlement packages,” the pact said. It said the Government would provide sh4.2b for the re-settlement of the former combatants within a year. It said this could be extended if necessary.
“The UNRF II chairman shall nominate ten members of UNRF II whom government shall assist in employment. The former UNRF II chairman shall be provided with such assistance as the Government deems appropriate,” it added.
The Government undertook to facilitate the 135 UNRF II child soldiers to return to school.
UNRF combatants who opt and qualify, will be free to join the UPDF, the agreement said. “The UNRF officers who wish and qualify to join UPDF shall be allowed to retain their current ranks subject to passing appropriate examinations set and conducted by the UPDF,” it said.
The UNRF II appreciated government programmes in West Nile and called upon the Government to expedite th!
eir comp
letion. It called upon other armed groups to abandon war for a peaceful resolution of conflicts.
The Government also recognised the development programmes identified by the UNRF II as a priority and agreed to implement them soon.
The treaty requires the Government and a UNRF II committee to convene a stakeholders’ conference within four months to assess its implementation.
The agreement also said, “The Government shall, whenever appropriate, grant clearance for the committee to solicit funds from third parties to cover its operational expenses.”
Related story on National Pages
Published on: Friday, 27th December, 2002 |
