UPDF begins Central African Republic withdrawal

Apr 19, 2017

UPDF operations have contributed significantly to the restoration of peace and tranquillity in big areas of the Central Africa Republic

PIC: UPDF soldiers at Gulu Airstrip upon disembarking from a plane. (Credit: Arnest Tumwesige)

Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has begun withdrawing from the Central Africa Republic where it has since 2012 been part of the African Union Regional Task Force.

The first batch of troops was been received today in Gulu by the Chief of Staff Land Forces, Brig Katsigazi Tumusiime, and 4th Division commander, Brig Emmanuel Kanyesigye according to a UPDF statement.

The decision to withdraw was premised on the realization that the mission to neutralize the LRA has now been successfully achieved. The LRA's capacity and means of making war against Uganda have been degraded. 

UPDF soldiers from CAR loading their luggage onto a truck at Gulu Airstrip before heading to the 4th Division Barracks. (Credit: Arnest Tumwesige)


Key senior commanders such as; Dominic Ongwen, Okot Odyambo and other fighters have over the years been killed, captured or surrendered.  Those who surrendered have been reintegrated into their societies of origin.

"Joseph Kony with less than 100 armed fighters is now weak and ineffective. He no longer poses any significant threat to Uganda's security and Northern Uganda in particular.

"The UPDF operations have contributed significantly to the restoration of peace and tranquillity in big areas of the Central Africa Republic (CAR). 

"This won them admiration from the people exemplified by the 16th April 2017 demonstration by civilians in Obbo town calling upon the forces to stay" the statement signed by army spokesperson Brig. Richard Karemire read.

"The future for stability in CAR now lies on the shoulders of its Government.  The UPDF as a Pan-Africanist force remains ready to support the capacity building of the Armed Forces of Central Africa (FACA) for counter LRA operations and may also join the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) under a strengthened mandate to effectively deal with LRA" the statement read.

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