The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), working together under Operation Shujaa, on Tuesday convened a joint session in Beni to evaluate ongoing operations targeting the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The meeting reviewed the achievements recorded in countering the terrorist group and reaffirmed the joint forces’ resolve to neutralize ADF remnants and restore peace in the Kivu and Ituri provinces. Speaking to the assembled commanders and staff, the UPDF Commander Land Forces, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, emphasized the importance of continuous joint drills and disciplined collaboration.
“If we are to deliver meaningful results against the enemy, we must rehearse together, train together, brief together, and plan together,” Lt Gen Muhanga stated.
FARDC’s Deputy Chief of General Staff in charge of Operations and Intelligence, Lieutenant General Ychalingoza Nduru Jacques, praised the joint forces for their persistent efforts in reestablishing stability in the affected areas. He also acknowledged the UPDF’s engineering support, particularly in rehabilitating critical road infrastructure such as the Kasindi–Beni, Beni–Byakato, Byakato–Mangina, and Komanda–Luna routes.
“These roads are not only crucial for security missions but also essential for the region’s economic revival,” he remarked.
He further disclosed that several captives had been freed during recent missions and a number of alleged collaborators apprehended.
