BY JOACKIM KULE
The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) has officially handed over another group of 22 Congolese Nationals who were rescued from the hands of ADF rebels during the ongoing operation Shujja to the DRC government.
Since the initiation of the Operation Shujja in November 2021, the UPDF has rescued scores of people including the 34 that were handed back to the Congolese government in January 2023, while another batch of 50 were handed back in February 2024.
Today’s batch of 22 people, among whom four toddlers, aged below 10 were handed to the Congolese Government Officials at the former UPDF Tactical Centre in Kasindi.
During the ceremony, Col. George Jet Turayabe, the Commander of Sector 3 of the Operation Shujja who represented the Mountain Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, noted that the rescued captives had been undergoing rehabilitation with facilitation from the Bridge Way.
Bridge Way is an international organization that supports and facilitates the wellbeing of rescued captives as well as empowering them with vocational skills in mechanics, soap making, shoe making, mat making, arts and crafts among others.
Maj. Bilal Katamba, the UPDF Public Information Officer for the Mountain Division and Operation Shujja told the press that other captives are still undergoing rehabilitation process in Uganda and would soon be handed over to their country of origin.
He assured that the UPDF and the Congolese Army are registering progress in the fight against the ADF rebels in the DRC.
Col. Chibi Chabene, the Commander of the 3470 Regiment who received the abductees on behalf of Congolese government was happy that the joint forces were progressing in the fight against ADF rebels terrorizing both countries.
Mr. Muhasa Muhindo Fundi, one of the captives on behalf of the rest applauded the government of Uganda for its good leadership that prioritizes peace, unity and socio-economic development.
He testified that during their stay in Uganda, they have been able to attain skills to enable them to earn a living after being united with their families.
ENDS