UPDF, DR Congo army review Joint Operations Against ADF

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The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), operating under Operation Shujaa, on Tuesday held a joint meeting in Beni to review ongoing operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

Details of the review plan discussed in the meeting on February 10 were not revealed to the press.

A release from the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs states that the meeting, held in Beni, assessed progress made in the fight against the terrorist group and reaffirmed the joint forces’ commitment to eliminating ADF elements and restoring stability in the Kivu and Ituri provinces.

Commander Land Forces, Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, takes salute on arrival at the joint forces meeting in Beni. (Courtesy)

The Commander Land Forces Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanda interacting with the representative of the Governor North Kivu in Beni. (Courtesy)

In his address to the joint commanders and staff, the Commander Land Forces of the UPDF, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, underscored the need for sustained joint training and disciplined coordination.

“If we are to achieve commendable results against the enemy, we must rehearse together, train together, brief together and plan together,” Lt Gen. Muhanga said. 

FARDC’s Deputy Chief of General Staff for Operations and Intelligence, Lieutenant General Ychalingoza Nduru Jacques, commended the joint forces for their sustained efforts in restoring calm across affected areas. He also expressed appreciation for the UPDF’s engineering contributions, particularly the rehabilitation of key road networks, including the Kasindi–Beni, Beni–Byakato, Byakato–Mangina, and Komanda–Luna roads.

“These roads are not only strategic for security operations but also vital for economic recovery in the region,” he noted.

He further revealed that several hostages have been rescued during recent operations and several suspected collaborators arrested.

Commander of the UPDF Mountain Infantry Division, Major General Stephen Mugerwa interacting with FARDC counterparts. (Courtesy)

The Commander of the UPDF Mountain Infantry Division, Major General Stephen Mugerwa, applauded his FARDC counterparts for their cooperation and swift response during joint operations.

Operation Shujaa (translated ”operation for the brave”) is a joint military offensive launched in November 2021 by the UPDF and FARDC after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC agreed to coordinate efforts to eliminate the terrorist groups operating in Eastern Congo, mainly Islamic State (IS) affiliates and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

According to UPDF reports, Operation Shujaa has achieved significant milestones, including the resumption of normal life for civilian populations and a substantial reduction in attacks on Ugandan territory. The operation has also severely diminished the capacity of the ADF to organise, with several senior commanders killed.