Uganda's Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has met with his Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) counterpart Gen. Christian Tshiwewe Songesa.

Kainerugaba met Songesa, the General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) on Monday, April 6, 2024, in Eastern DRC's town of Kasindi.

The meeting was attended by other high-ranking Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) officials, including commander Land Forces Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga and Operation Shujaa commander Maj. Gen. Dick Olum. 

The FARDC delegation also included top generals from the DRC military. This engagement was part of the routine discussions between UPDF and FARDC to review the progress of Operation Shujaa, which was initiated following agreements between Uganda and the DRC in 2021.

During the Kasindi meeting, Gen. Kainerugaba praised Operation Shujaa as a prime example of African countries working together to address shared concerns, specifically combating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terror threat. 

He expressed gratitude towards the leaders of Uganda and DRC for championing this initiative, underscoring the longstanding relationship between the two nations and emphasising the role of UPDF and FARDC in ensuring continued peaceful coexistence. 

Kainerugaba, who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, extended his appreciation to his DRC counterpart for the warm reception and acknowledged his leadership in driving the success of the operation. 

He highlighted the significant progress made in weakening the ADF terrorists, citing numerous casualties, captures and surrenders. 

Songesa reciprocated the appreciation by congratulating Muhoozi on his recent appointment as the CDF and commended the joint efforts of UPDF and FARDC in combating the common enemy, the ADF.