UPDF, FARDC Joint Forces Liberate 138 Abductees in Strike Against ADF

A joint operation between Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) rescued 138 abductees.

The update was shared by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who detailed the success of the mission in a post on his X platform.

"Two days ago, God's Army and our FARDC allies attacked an ADF camp near River Epulu in Eastern DRC. The camp was under the control of the terrorist commander Meya Ssebagala. So far we have liberated 138 abductees. Our God destroys all our enemies."

The targeted strike focused on a key ADF stronghold situated near River Epulu. The camp was confirmed to be under the command of Meya Ssebagala, a terrorist leader within the ADF ranks. The coordination between the joint forces under Operation Shujaa successfully dislodged the insurgents from the strategic location, leading to the high number of rescues.

This mission marks one of the most successful humanitarian outcomes in recent months for the ongoing operations in the region. 

Security analysts suggest that targeting specific commanders like Ssebagala is part of a broader strategy to dismantle the ADF's leadership structure and weaken their ability to hold territory or captives. 

Operation Shujaa, a joint UPDF and FARDC military campaign launched in November 2021 against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Eastern DRC, has successfully degraded the terrorist group by destroying key camps, capturing high-ranking commanders, and liberating vast areas. The operation has enabled the return of civilians to secured sectors, reopened markets and schools, and rescued hundreds of abductees.