Ugandan and Congolese forces have rescued more than 200 civilians from Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) captivity following a joint offensive on an ADF camp along River Epulu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) announced Monday.
Several ADF fighters were killed during the attack on a camp under the command of notorious ADF commander Ssebagala, also known as Mzee Mayor.
An arms cache was recovered during the operation.
UPDF’s major general Stephen Mugerwa, who is overall commander for the joint offensive codenamed Operation Shujaa, told the freed civilians they were victims of abduction and would be reunited with their families.
“You are not under detention. You are victims of abduction, and we shall ensure you are handed over to the relevant authorities so you can reunite with your families,” Mugerwa said.
Many of those rescued, including children as young as 14, described harsh conditions in captivity, including forced labour, food shortages and punishment for disobedience.
Several were frail and suffering from untreated illnesses such as malaria and respiratory infections.
The ADF, originally formed in Uganda in the 1990s by militants opposed to the government, fled into DRC after being routed by the Ugandan army.
From its bases in eastern DRC, the group has become notorious for kidnappings and killings, and in recent years has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State.
It has also been blamed for attacks in Uganda, including suicide bombings in Kampala in 2021 and assaults on schools in 2023.
Operation Shujaa, launched in 2021 by the UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), has intensified since early 2026.
In February, the joint forces overran a major camp linked to ADF leader Musa Seka Baluku, recovering weapons and explosives.
Sustained offensives have improved security in parts of eastern DRC, enabling displaced communities to return home and cross-border trade to resume.
JN/APA