The Counter Terrorism squads have rescued at least 80 children who were found undergoing military training and radicalization into ADF activities.
The joint anti-terrorism Task force stormed recruitment centers in Luwero, Kalule and in Ntoroko district in western Uganda.
“Twenty two children who were found undergoing training and being persuaded into terrorism activities were rescued. About 50 children were also evacuated and at least five suspects were arrested during the Luwero and Ntoroko raids “Enanga said.
Another group of 15 children who narrowly escaped from the ADF rebel territory in Bunia in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), through Kalugutu-Kasese border were arrested by the Uganda police.
Through ADF social media channels such as Telegram, Facebook and YouTube, many videos have been posted by members of Allied Democratic Forces.
In the videos, women and children are seen playing different active roles in the rebel group; among the roles include attacking in form of military confrontation, pillaging and bearing arms.
Currently, in the video which has gone viral on social media platforms, at least 70-80 children are seen being indoctrinated and undergoing military training. Women also feature prominently in several video clips as combatants, reading from the Quran and attending to wounded combatants.
The police spokesperson Fred Enanga while addressing the press at police headquarters Naguru, said that the chief suspect sheikh Rwangabo is on the run, but police arrested his two counterparts, Ibrahim Kaija and Muhammad Ssewakiryanga
According to security investigation, Rwangabo has recruitment agents in Nansana, Ntinda, Kagoma, Bugerere-Kayunga and Kawempe division.
Meanwhile, children who were rescued are now all in a shelter home and arrangements are ongoing to reunite them with their families.
Parents are argued to consciously first find out the major aims and objectives of organizations before engaging their children.
