Operation Shujaa, a joint security initiative involving the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), has successfully rescued 22 individuals from the captivity of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the last five months. These abductees, who had been held by the rebel group, were formally handed over to senior army officers of both countries during ceremonies at Operation Shujaa headquarters in Kasindi town, DR Congo. The rescue operation is part of ongoing efforts to combat the ADF rebels and promote peace in the region.

The joint security initiative, Operation Shujaa, has been actively involved in operations to combat the ADF rebels in the DR Congo. Major General Dick Olum, the commander in charge of Operation Shujaa for Uganda, highlighted the significant achievements of the operation since its inception in November 2021. These achievements include eliminating many ADF rebels and reducing their presence in the region. The rescued individuals will undergo rehabilitation and eventually be integrated into their respective communities.

The operation has also been involved in the search for six students who were believed to have been abducted during an ADF attack on Mpondwe Lhubiriha Secondary School in June. The rescue and rehabilitation efforts are part of the joint efforts by Uganda and DR Congo to weaken and dismantle the ADF rebels, who have been a source of insecurity and instability in the region.

Maj. Gen. Robert Kasongo Naloba praised the strong bilateral coordination between Uganda and the DR Congo, emphasizing that Operation Shujaa’s activities have played a crucial role in promoting peace in both nations. The operation has been relentless in its pursuit of ADF rebels and has significantly contributed to the objective of achieving peace and stability in the region.

The rehabilitation of the 30 former ADF rebel abductees will focus on changing their mindset and providing counseling to help them reintegrate into society. Organizations involved in the rehabilitation scheme are committed to ensuring that the rescued individuals receive the support they need to rebuild their lives.

Operation Shujaa’s successful rescue of 22 abductees from the ADF rebels in DR Congo is a significant achievement in the ongoing efforts to combat the rebel group and promote peace in the region. The joint security initiative, involving Uganda and DR Congo, continues to make progress in weakening the ADF rebels and addressing the security challenges they pose. The rescued individuals will undergo rehabilitation and reintegration into their communities as part of the overall strategy to restore peace and stability in the region.