Operation Shujaa Rescues 500 Abductees, Neutralizes 100 ADF Fighters
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), in collaboration with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), has achieved significant progress in the ongoing Operation Shujaa, rescuing 500 abductees and neutralizing 100 Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) fighters over the past four months.
Major General Richard Otto, the commander of Operation Shujaa, acknowledged the achievements but cautioned that the ADF remains a persistent threat.
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“Much as we have spent three years in the DRC jungles neutralizing their networks, the ADF still poses a threat to the region, especially innocent civilians,” he noted.
The latest group of 21 rescued individuals, including nine women and 12 children, is receiving medical care at the Operation Shujaa field hospital.
Many sustained injuries during their captivity, with one child requiring an arm amputation.
Among the rescued is 27-year-old Hajjara Swaibu from Iganga District in eastern Uganda.
She recounted being lured into captivity through false job advertisements on local radio stations.
“I was lied to that I was going for kyeyo [casual work]. That’s how I ended up in the camp,” she said, describing her harrowing experience in the DRC jungles.
Zam Zam Jaffali, another survivor, shared a similar story. She explained how a male acquaintance persuaded her to join him in Congo for business.
“He said we would sell clothes in Bunya. But once we got there, he took me straight to the ADF camps,” she revealed.
Both women described being subjected to religious indoctrination by armed men in the rebel camps.
They were rescued during intense firefights between the UPDF and ADF fighters.
At the field hospital, Major Dr. Daniel Okello, in charge of medical services for Operation Shujaa, said many of the abductees were initially distrustful of UPDF personnel.
“At the beginning, they doubted us, fearing we might harm them. But with time, they saw how we cared for them and realized they were safe,” Dr. Okello explained.
The survivors are receiving both supportive and definitive medical care to aid their physical and emotional recovery.
Now in its third year, Operation Shujaa has significantly weakened the ADF.
Over the past four months, 100 fighters and commanders have been neutralized, and all major rebel-controlled areas in eastern DRC have been reclaimed.
However, Maj Gen Otto cautioned that isolated ADF elements remain active.
“As long as they are still alive, they remain a threat, especially to innocent civilians,” he warned, urging the public to remain vigilant.
The ADF, notorious for recruiting fighters from Uganda, Kenya, Somalia, Tanzania, and the DRC, continues to destabilize the region.
The UPDF and FARDC remain committed to dismantling the group and restoring peace.
