Members of Parliament have rejected a clause in the amnesty amendment bill, which seeks to deny amnesty to the Lords Resistance Army rebel leadership.
Debating the amnesty amendment bill 2003, the MP's argued that excluding the LRA leadership undermines the intention of the amnesty.
The Minister for Internal Affairs, Ruhakana Rugunda, however said that government intended to amend the bill because rebel groups like the LRA were strongly opposed to amnesty. He explained that the LRA leadership, has refused to take advantage of the amnesty and has gone ahead to execute some of the LRA members seeking amnesty.
Rugunda explained that the desire to deny the LRA leadership amnesty is an expression of government's resolve and determination to bring to book, rebel leaders and their close associates.
Gulu Municipality MP, Norbert Mao, noted that excluding some rebels from applying for amnesty, would endanger the lives of those abducted.
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The debate on the bill has been adjourned till next week, to give the Minister more time to consult.
