More than 200 Ugandans who have in the past been conscripted into rebel activities in South Sudan have reportedly handed themselves to  Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) 4th Division.

Unconfirmed reports according to security sources indicate that about 250 men, including a few women, have surrendered to the UPDF upon defection as the South Sudan army and rebel groups undergo integration.

They had in the past been recruited into rebel groups, including the National Salvation Front (NAS), the South Sudan People’s Liberation Movement Army in Opposition (SPLM-IO), and others to fight against South Sudan government.

Yesterday, the UPDF 4th Division army authorities, without specifying numbers, said many Ugandans (defectors) had surrendered.

Brig Bonny Bamwiseki said security had heightened its intelligence network to monitor and guard against the possibility that returnees could hide weapons and cause instability in future.