The Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, made a visit to the joint forces stationed in Eastern DRC on Thursday.
This coalition, known as Operation Shujaa, includes the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
Upon arriving in North Kivu Province, Gen Kainerugaba moved on to the adjacent Ituri Province, where he engaged in discussions with commanders and troops regarding the ongoing Operation Shujaa.
He was received by Maj Gen Richard Otto, the Commander of Operation Shujaa.
Accompanying the Ugandan CDF were several senior officials, including Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, the Commander of Land Forces, Brig Gen Dan Kakono, the Artillery Division Commander, and Col Albert Kashakamba.
During his address to the troops, Gen Kainerugaba expressed his appreciation for their dedicated efforts in combating ADF terrorists. To celebrate their hard work, he treated the troops to a combined Christmas and New Year lunch. He also urged them to ensure the complete eradication of the remaining ADF fighters, highlighting that both President Yoweri Museveni and President Felix Tshisekedi have instructed the forces to accomplish this mission by the year’s end. Some soldiers pledged to capture the remaining ADF commanders, particularly one known as ‘Bwakasi’ (Abu Wakasi), alive.
The visit showcased the progress of Operation Shujaa, as civilians were observed engaging in everyday activities like transporting goods and farming. However, the sight of abandoned homes overgrown with vegetation served as a stark reminder of the ADF terrorists’ previous devastation before Operation Shujaa began.
Since its launch in November 2021, Operation Shujaa has made remarkable strides, including the restoration of normalcy for local communities and a significant decrease in attacks on Ugandan soil.
The operation has significantly weakened the ADF’s ability to coordinate, resulting in the loss of several high-ranking commanders.
At present, the ADF is fragmented into small factions, functioning in regions beyond the reach of Operation Shujaa.
Gen. Kainerugaba has vowed to return to the operational zone, urging the troops to ensure the total annihilation of the enemy.
His visit highlights the dedication of the UPDF and FARDC to collaborate in tackling mutual security issues and fostering stability in the region.
