Uganda Handsover Rehabilitated
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has today handed over 22 abductees and captives of the Allied Democratic Forces the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) at Kasindi Noth Kivu in Eastern DRC.
The former abductees and captives who had been undergoing rehabilitation for six months in Uganda were handed over by Colonel George Jet Turyabe who represented the UPDF Operation Shujaa and Mountain Division Commander, Major General Richard Otto.
Colonel Turyabe said that the handing over of rescued people will continue as long as the joint operation continues to rescue them. He thanked Bridgeway Foundation for supporting Operation Shujaa through the rehabilitation of the rescued people.
Col Desire Chibi Chabere who represented the FARDC on behalf of Maj Gen Bruno Mandevu said the rescued and rehabilitated people were a clear sign of the success of Operation Shujaa.
He further said that the ADF is a common enemy to the people of DRC and the people of Uganda. “Our enemy is your enemy and your enemy is our enemy”
On behalf of the rescued, Mr Muhindo Muhasa Fundi thanked the UPDF and FARDC for rescuing them. “It’s only God who can reward you. We pray that he gives you more strength to defeat all the enemies of the two countries.”
The 22, 9 of whom were children below 18 years of age, were rescued and captured from the four sectors of Operation Shujaa and underwent a six-month Rehabilitation process undertaken by Bridgeway Foundation in Uganda.
Other than the psychological rehabilitation, the adults were trained in mechanics, electronics, tailoring, shoe making, soap making and hairdressing to enable them to live an economically productive life in their communities where they are expected to be resettled.
The rehabilitated whose ages ranged from 1 month to 49 years were given non-food items to help them kick-start new lives after several years in the jungles of DRC.
The function was attended by Officers from the Mountain Division on behalf of the UPDF. Lt Col Idris Ayu, and Maj Mboyo- Lwoto accompanied Col Desire Chibi Chabere for FARDC.
BY MAJ BILAL KATAMBA