Summary:
- Monday’s batch of 22 people, including four toddlers under the age of 10, were handed over to Congolese government officials at the former UPDF Tactical Centre in Kasindi.
KASESE: The Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) on Monday handed over another group of 22 Congolese nationals rescued from the hands of ADF rebels during the ongoing Operation Shujja to the DRC government.
Since the initiation of Operation Shujja in November 2021, the UPDF has rescued numerous people, including 34 handed back to the Congolese government in January 2023 and another batch of 50 in February 2024.
Monday’s batch of 22 people, including four toddlers under the age of 10, were handed over to Congolese government officials at the former UPDF Tactical Centre in Kasindi.
During the ceremony, Col. George Jet Turayabe, the Commander of Sector 3 of Operation Shujja, who represented the Mountain Division Commander, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, noted that the rescued captives had been undergoing rehabilitation with facilitation from Bridge Way.
Bridge Way is an international organization that supports the wellbeing of rescued captives and empowers 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 in Uganda and would soon be handed over to their country of origin.
He assured that the UPDF and the Congolese Army are making 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 the Congolese government, expressed happiness over the joint forces’ progress in the fight against the ADF rebels terrorizing both countries.
Mr. Muhasa Muhindo Fundi, one of the captives, applauded the government of Uganda for its leadership prioritizing peace, unity, and socio-economic development.
He testified that during their stay in Uganda, they had attained skills to enable them to earn a living after being reunited with their families.
