Senior military commanders from Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) concluded a key coordination and evaluation meeting in Bunia on March 28, 2025. The meeting aimed to streamline planning and assess the progress of joint operations against armed groups in eastern DRC. The discussions took place at the Governor's office from March 27 to 28.
The UPDF delegation was led by Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces, and included Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, commander of the Mountain Infantry Division in Fort Portal. Uganda’s Ambassador to DRC, Hajji Farid Kaliisa, was also present. The FARDC delegation was headed by Lt. Gen. Ychalingonza Nduru Jacques, Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Operations and Intelligence, along with Lt. Gen. Luboya Nkashama Johnny, Military Governor of Ituri Province.
The meeting focused on improving the security and protection of civilians from attacks by violent armed groups. Measures were agreed upon to strengthen trust between the population and the forces. The leaders also agreed to deploy joint forces for patrols and to secure civilian convoys travelling along the Mahagi – Bunia highway (RN 27).
Armed groups in the region were urged to surrender and join the government-led Disarmament, Demobilization, Reintegration and Stabilization Program (PDDRC-S). Those who refused were warned that the joint forces would target them directly as part of the ongoing peace process.
In a related update, acting Defence spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi said that the pressure from the UPDF-FARDC forces had forced the ADF remnants to flee to DRC’s North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Commanders are considering shifting operational focus to these regions to prevent the ADF from regrouping. A decision on this change in strategy is expected soon. Earlier this year, UPDF deployed blocking forces in Bunia, Mahagi, and Fataki, but additional troops may be needed to secure the extensive operational area effectively.
