Aniyensi Terezina, now 33, was reportedly abducted in 2006 at the age of 13 from Karika Boma in Gangura Payam, Yambio County, during attacks carried out by the rebel group led by Joseph Kony.
Two family members who spoke to Sudans Post on condition of anonymity due to fear of public attention and security concerns said the family was overwhelmed with emotion after learning that Aniyensi had been located by Ugandan authorities after years of uncertainty.
“For many years, the family searched for her without success and had almost lost hope of ever knowing her whereabouts,” one relative said. “We recently received information that the Government of Uganda found her, and we are very grateful for this development.”
The relatives commended the efforts of Ugandan authorities, media practitioners, community members, and social media users who helped share information about the missing woman over the years.
They appealed to the Government of Uganda and humanitarian organizations to facilitate a swift reunification process to enable Aniyensi to return safely to South Sudan and reunite with her family.
“We appeal to the Government of Uganda and all relevant humanitarian agencies to make the reunification process easier and faster so that Aniyensi can safely return home to her family,” another relative said.
According to the family, the development has brought renewed hope and relief to relatives and community members in Karika Boma and the wider Yambio area after nearly 20 years of uncertainty.
A video circulating on social media shows Aniyensi saying she was abducted by LRA fighters in 2006 and forced into marriage during her years in captivity.
In the video, she claims she recently surrendered alongside other individuals linked to Joseph Kony’s group and was initially received at a Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) facility in the Central African Republic before being transferred to Kampala.
Aniyensi identifies herself as a native of Gangura Payam in Yambio County and recalls several family members, including relatives identified as Kpiborano and John. She also states that she was abducted while visiting her sister, identified as Aniue.
“I was abducted while visiting my sister’s home,” she says in the video, adding that she still remembers members of her family and her village in Yambio County.
According to information shared by the family, Ugandan authorities have indicated that arrangements are underway to repatriate her through the Nimule border crossing between Uganda and South Sudan, where relatives are expected to receive her.
The family expressed gratitude to all individuals and organizations that contributed to efforts to trace their daughter and called for continued support until she is safely reunited with her loved ones.
As of Tuesday, neither the Western Equatoria State government nor the national government in Juba had issued an official statement regarding the reported discovery and planned return of Aniyensi.
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that’s real great ♥️ bring our sister back