Four suspected Mai Mai rebels captured on Thursday in Kasese District have been repatriated to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The 22 mountain brigade based in Kasese on Saturday handed over the rebels together with the body of their colleague.
The handover function took place at Mpondwe-Kasindi border post.
The four Katembo Kombe (21), Thembo Mutima (15), Kambale Kombo (23), and Kasereka Jean (23), together with the late Kasereka Nguchi (23) are said to have been part of a large Mai-Mai group that was intercepted by UPDF 5 Mountain Battalion in Bwera.
The group was crossing into Uganda at Kiraro along river Tako, which is a stride to the international borderline. It reported that those with guns managed to escape.
Col. Columbus Tumwine, the 222 mountain brigade commander, who led the Uganda delegation said that three Uganda collaborators have also been arrested and would soon be arraigned before courts of law.
“We have got good information, we know their structures, who supplies with logistics and contacts,” Col. Columbus said.
Col. Danny Endubu Madawa, the FARC/UPDF coordinator of operation shujja, applauded the UPDF and FADRC’s struggle to pacify the eastern part of DRC to ensure there is peace and stability.
“This shows our cordial relationship between the two countries for we know that once Congo catches flee Uganda is affected with cough, let this gesture not be the last but we continue to operate through the exchange of information,” Col. Wadawa said.
Mai Mai militia is among the numerous active rebel groups operating in eastern DRC.
Formed by Gedeon Kiyungu Mutunga in 2011 to purportedly defend local communities of Kitanga province against other armed groups, it’s known for acts of mutilation, sexual violence, and conscription of child soldiers among others.