The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), operating under Operation Shujaa, held a joint meeting in Beni on Tuesday to review ongoing operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The meeting, which took place in Beni, assessed progress 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.
Addressing the joint commanders and staff, the Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, emphasised 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 in 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 had been rescued during recent operations and that a number of suspected collaborators had been arrested.
The Commander of the UPDF Mountain Infantry Division, Major General Stephen Mugerwa, praised his FARDC counterparts for their cooperation and swift response during joint operations.
Operation Shujaa, a joint military offensive launched in November 2021 by the UPDF and FARDC, was initiated after President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC agreed to coordinate efforts to eliminate the terrorist group operating in Eastern Congo.
