The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have handed over 50 rehabilitated abductees from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), to the Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC).

Major Bilal Katamba, the Public Information Officer of the UPDF Operation Shujaa, confirmed the development on January 26, 2024.

According to Major Katamba, the abductees, comprising 44 females and 6 males, were handed over to FARDC by Major General Dick Olum, the overall commander of Operation Shujaa.

“UPDF has handed over 50 abductees rescued from ADF to FARDC, consisting of females and males, and FARDC also handled over four Ugandans, 01 male and 03 female,” Major Katamba said.

According to Major General Olum, the abductees were handed over to the FARDC Beni Sector second in command, Colonel Ekoko Bokeon, on behalf of the sector commander in Kasindi, North Kivu Province, in the Eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.

“They have been equipped with skills and received counseling and rehabilitation in Kampala to help them resettle back in their communities,” Major General Olum said.

General Olum called upon the rehabilitated abductees to utilize the life skills attained to improve their livelihoods for prosperity in their communities.

Since February 2023, the UPDF has handed over a total of 110 rescued abductees back to FARDC, with the first group in February comprising two sets of 34 and 26 and the current 50 handed over in January 2024.