The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) yesterday handed over 22 former abductees and captives of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) at Kasindi, North Kivu, in the Eastern DRC.
The individuals, who had undergone a six-month rehabilitation programme in Uganda, were handed over by Col George Jet Turyabe, representing UPDF Operation Shujaa and Mountain Division Commander, Maj Gen Richard Otto.
Col Turyabe stated that the handover of rescued individuals would continue as long as joint operations resulted in their rescue. He expressed gratitude to the Bridgeway Foundation for supporting Operation Shujaa through the rehabilitation of rescued individuals.
Col Desire Chibi Chabere, representing FARDC on behalf of Maj Gen Bruno Mandevu, hailed the handover as a testament to the success of Operation Shujaa. He emphasised that the ADF is a common enemy to both the people of DRC and Uganda, saying, “Our enemy is your enemy and your enemy is our enemy”.
On behalf of the rescued individuals, Mr. Muhindo Muhasa Fundi thanked the UPDF and FARDC for their rescue, saying, “It’s only God who can reward you. We pray that he gives you more strength to defeat all the enemies of the two countries.”
The 22 individuals, including nine children below the age of 18, were rescued and captured from four sectors of Operation Shujaa and underwent a comprehensive rehabilitation programme undertaken by the Bridgeway Foundation in Uganda. In addition to psychological rehabilitation, adults received training in various skills such as mechanics, electronics, tailoring, shoemaking, soap making, and hairdressing to enable them to lead economically productive lives in their communities upon resettlement.
The rehabilitated individuals, aged between one month and 49 years, received non-food items to assist them in starting anew after years in the DRC jungles.
The ceremony was attended by officers from the Mountain Division, including Lt Col Idris Ayu and Maj Mboyo-Lwoto, who accompanied Col Desire Chibi Chabere for FARDC.
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