The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have reported significant progress in their joint campaign against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Eastern Congo.
During a joint review meeting on Tuesday in Beni under Operation Shujaa, military leaders assessed ongoing counterterrorism efforts and reaffirmed their commitment to eliminating ADF militants while restoring security in the volatile Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, UPDF Commander of Land Forces, emphasized the importance of close coordination and joint training.
“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, highlighted key successes, including the rescue of hostages and the arrest of suspected ADF collaborators. He also praised the UPDF’s engineering support in rehabilitating strategic roads, such as Kasindi–Beni, Beni–Byakato, Byakato–Mangina, and Komanda–Luna.
“These roads are not only strategic for security operations but also vital for economic recovery in the region,” Lt Gen Nduru said, underscoring the dual role of military and infrastructure initiatives in stabilizing Eastern Congo.
Major General Stephen Mugerwa, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Infantry Division, applauded the FARDC for its swift response and cooperation, describing the partnership as “a key factor in disrupting terrorist networks.”
Operation Shujaa, launched in November 2021 following an agreement between Ugandan President Museveni and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi, aims to neutralize the ADF, a group responsible for cross-border attacks, kidnappings, and widespread insecurity in Eastern Congo.
Military sources say the joint operation has gradually reduced ADF activity in several areas, though challenges remain due to the group’s entrenched presence and use of remote terrain.
The UPDF and FARDC pledged to continue coordinated operations, intelligence sharing, and infrastructure support to ensure long-term peace and stability in the region.