The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF), in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), have rescued 23 individuals from the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) during Operation Shujaa. The rescue occurred on Thursday near River Malibongo, north of Tokomeka in Ituri Province, eastern DR Congo.

Maj Bilal Katamba, Public Information Officer for the UPDF's Mountain Division, in a press statement released on Saturday, reported that the joint forces engaged ADF rebels before rescuing the abductees, who included 16 females and 7 males.

Among them are 13 minors, including three infants born in the bush, who are severely malnourished, according to Maj Katamba who also noted that UPDF medical teams are providing emergency care, and arrangements are underway to transfer mothers and infants to a medical facility for comprehensive treatment.

This rescue follows the UPDF's handover of 22 Congolese nationals to the DRC government just a week earlier. These individuals, abducted from their homes during rebel attacks, were reportedly indoctrinated and recruited into the ADF.

During the handover ceremony in Kasindi, DR Congo, Col George Jeti, Sector 3 Commander of Operation Shujaa, represented the Ugandan government, while Col Chibi Chabene Desire represented the Congolese government.

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