The Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) in a joint operation with Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have rescued 14 women from Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels on July 19, 2023.

According to Maj. Yusuf Katamba, the Spokesperson Operation Shujaa of UPDF, the joint forces which were operating in the Mwalika valley in North Kivu province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), exchanged gunfire with an ADF group under the command of Abu Waqas and the women were rescued after the rebels fled.

“UPDF captured a total of 14 women from an operation conducted from Eastern DRCongo who were under the leadership of Abu Waqas, the ADF Commander who narrowly survived our gunfire and we are still pursuing him,” Maj. Katamba noted.

Maj. Katamba stated that, among those rescued was a Burundian national who also served as Abu Waqas’ wife who had been in captivity for five years.

Maj. Katamba said that, it is the same ADF rebel group that was behind the Kasese School killing where 40 students lost their lives.

He however, urged the public to be vigilant and report any suspected case in the area.

ADF rebels originated from Uganda in the 1990s with a mission to overthrow incumbent President Yoweri Museveni but were overpowered and fled to forests in DRC. Nevertheless, the joint forces are still pursuing this group.