Gen. Muhanga Roots for Deeper Cooperation Between UPDF and FARDC

By Ronald Kasoma Last updated Oct 3, 2024 130

Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga in a group photo with FARDC officials at the operational review meeting.

The Commander Land Forces in the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces (UPDF) Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga has emphasized the need for continued enhancement of cooperation ‘Ushirikiano’ between the UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to enable the joint forces to completely route the Allied Democratic Force rebel outfit.

Muhanga made the remarks on Monday 30th September 2024 during the two day periodic operation Shujaa review meeting held at the UPDF Mountain Division headquarters in Muhoti Fort Portal City.

In the meeting that attracted commanders from FARDC led by Maj. Gen. Nyembo Abdallah Bath and Maj. Gen. Bruno Mandevu, Muhanga thanked the two Heads of state, HE Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and HE Felix Thsilombo Tshisekedi for their strategic insight that led to instituting a joint operation force that has relieved the wanaichi of DRC and Uganda from the atrocities of the terrorists ADF.

Maj Gen Richard Otto, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa exchanging the signed operation shujaa review document with his counterpart from FARDC

The FARDC head of delegation Maj. Gen. Nyembo Abdallah thanked the UPDF for the sacrifice made during Operation Shujaa which has led to peace and stability in the sectors where the joint forces are operating. “We shall continue to work together shoulder by shoulder to defeat the ADF” Said Maj Gen Abdallah.

The periodic operation review meetings for Operation Shujaa serve as a crucial platform where the joint forces of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) discuss emerging challenges and explore new opportunities for success. They enable the forces to reassess their strategy and forge a way forward to effectively combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group.

Maj Gen Richard Otto, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa expressed gratitude for the successful collaboration between joint forces, citing several accomplished missions. He specifically acknowledged the tactical commanders for their tireless efforts in pursuing the enemy through treacherous terrain.

Operation Shujaa was launched on 30th November 2021 and it’s progress is periodically reviewed by the commanders from both UPDF and FARDC Land forces who convene to deliberate on the outcomes and chart a course for future operations. The decisions made during the reviews are presented to the Chiefs of Defence Forces for approval and signature, solidifying the joint forces’ commitment to operational success.