UPDF, FARDC Conduct Civil Military Sensitization Exercise

UPDF troops together with FARDC have for the last two days been engaged in community engagement programs with the local communities to bridge the gap left after the successful launch of ” Operation Shujaa” in DR Congo.

Operation Shujaa’s air force and artillery power earlier had a lot of devastating effects on identified Islamic State-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist camps.

As a result, both armies are deliberately offering medical outreach programs and constructing water point facilities to the civilian population in Mukakati, Kitibombo and Kamango. They have also promised to build a road from Beni to Mukakati Forward Operating Base, a launchpad for UPDF troops.

Speaking at one of the sensitization activities in North Kivu province, Col James Kasule explained that UPDF presence in DR Congo is hinged on the actions of ADF like the recent killing of innocent civilians in Kampala through suicide bombs and conscripting youth into terror groups which have destabilized peace and security in both Uganda and DR Congo.

“Our core objective of coming to Congo is to help our brothers FARDC flush out ADF terrorists from their safe haven so that both countries can have peace,” he said.

The Task Force Commander Operation Shujaa Col James Kasule further called upon civilians to cooperate with the joint security forces and provide information leading to the elimination of wrong elements within communities.

He promised peace after uprooting ADF from their hideouts and urged locals to take the sick to the treatment centers.

While the FARDC Intelligence Officer Col Montana Kyalu expressed happiness in having two armies coming together to end the insurgency situation in the region, he called for calm, saying we need peace in both countries.

Kavita Mbalwako, 32, and other residents in North Kivu expressed their gratitude for UPDF’s involvement in liberating DR Congo. They explained how ADF had deprived them of proper household stay.

Col James Kasule was accompanied by the “Operation Shuja” meaning  ‘bravery’ Spokesperson Maj Peter Mugisa, the Political Commissar of the operation Maj Moses Byamukama and Capt Andrew  Tibeyalirwa the 111 Brigade Intelligence Officer.