Ugandan, DR Congo forces rescue 14 women from ADF rebels

By Godfrey Olukya

KAMPALA, Uganda (AA) - The Uganda Peoples Defense Force (UPDF) in a joint operation with armed forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo rescued 14 women on Tuesday from Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.

UPDF deputy spokesman Lieut. Col. Deo Akiki said in a statement that the joint forces, which were operating in the Mwalika valley in North Kivu province of DR Congo, exchanged gunfire with an ADF group under the command of Abu Waqas and the women were rescued after the rebels fled.

He said that among those rescued was a Burundian national who also served as Abu Waqas’ wife and had been in captivity for five years.

He said the joint forces are still pursuing the group.

ADF rebels originated from Uganda in the 1990s with a mission to overthrow incumbent President Yoweri Museveni but were overpowered and fled to forests in DR Congo.