The UPDF (the Ugandan military) just issued a press release reporting that after making contact with LRA forces in the Central African Republic (CAR) yesterday, they were able to capture LRA commander, Lt. Charles Okello. This UPDF contingent of the AU-RTF (African Union Regional Task Force) was also able to rescue 10 LRA captives, including children.
In this statement, the UPDF also reports that several LRA surrendered to them earlier this week.
Below is the full press release issued by the UPDF. We can’t verify any of the details, but we’ll follow up with additional information as soon as it becomes available.
Image source: The East African
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UPDF CAPTURES LRA COMMANDER
The UPDF Contingent of the African Union Regional Task Force (AURTF) in Central African Republic, captured an LRA Commander yesterday, one LtCharles Okello. The battle took place 20km West of Bakuma which is about 500km West of Obo, UPDF’s tactical base. The force was also able to rescue ten abductees including seven children. Three guns, one Walkie Talkie radio and dozens of loose ammunition were recovered.
Earlier in the week, another LRA Commander 2Lt James Onen surrendered to a UPDF detach at Zombo in Arua. Onen also confessed that 3 of his colleagues with their guns defected and went straight to their homes in Arua.**
The AURTF Force Commander Brig Sam Kavuma said “rescuing abducted children is the Easter Gift we give to their parents. We will not relent until Kony is captured and all children rescued”.
The AURTF is mandated by the African Union to restore peace and stability in the Central African Republic. Uganda, together with DRC and Central African Republic constitute the Regional Task Force
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**UPDATE: After further investigation, the rumored defection of four LRA in Arua, Uganda turned out to be falsely reported. The individuals in question were local bandits unrelated to the lra.
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