Ministers of Defence and Veteran Affairs of the Republic of Uganda and the DRC, Hon Vincent Bamulangaki Ssempijja and Hon. Dr. Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga respectively, have today held a joint meeting to discuss matters related to defence and security of both states and to review progress of the Joint UPDF/FARDC Operation Shujaa. The meeting at Protea Hotel – Skyz in Kampala was preceded by that of the respective Chiefs of Defence Forces; Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi (UPDF) and Gen Mbala Musese Celestin (FARDC).
Prior to the meeting of the Chiefs of Defence Forces, an Expert Working Group composed of General Officers and Senior Officers from UPDF and FARDC was appointed to discuss the finer details of the matters related to Defence and Security of both states. The group worked from 24th – 26th January 2022 and produced a report that was adopted by the Hon. Ministers and their respective Chiefs of Defence Forces today 27th January 2022.
Hon. Ssempijja welcomed efforts by both UPDF and FARDC aimed at developing plans and strategies on how to confront the common security threats which are affecting the two countries. “Our firm cooperation therefore, delays the faceless threats which have to be denied an opportunity to freely operate in our countries,” said Hon. Ssempijja.
Hon. Ssempijja further observed that there is need to firmly establish and operationalise all structures of cooperation between UPDF and FARDC to ensure the success of the ongoing joint operations against ADF extremists.
Hon. Dr. Kurhenga in his remarks said that the meeting offers a new opportunity to both countries to improve the ongoing joint operations in Ituri and North Kivu provinces.
He added that the main focusis the stability of the region which will bring about peace and socio-economic development of the respective countries.
The experts meeting was co-chaired by Maj Gen Dick Olum, Uganda?s Defence Attaché accredited to the DRC and Maj Gen Bombele Lohola Camille the Coordinator of the Joint FARDC – UPDF Operations in DRC. In attendance were the Ambassador designate of Uganda to Kinshasa, Amb. Kallisa Farid, the Charge d’Affaires of the DRC in Uganda, Amb. Jean Pierre Masala and Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga the UPDF Operation Shujaa Commander.
The meeting among others assessed the tactical, operational and strategic progress of the ongoing UPDF/FARDC Joint operation in Eastern DRC (Operation Shujaa) and examined the measures to be implemented for securing the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the Kasindi-Beni-Butembo and the Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma roads in Eastern DRC.
The meeting observed that the Joint UPDF/FARDC operations were progressing well, despite the challenges of difficult terrain, poor road network and long lines of communication and supply.
The experts also acknowledged the importance of sectorisation of the theatre of the operation in order to increase the operation tempo and further degrade the capabilities of the ADF.
The Joint Commanders of the Operation Shujaa Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga and Maj Gen Bombele Lohola Camille highlighted the operation successes since its inception on 30th November 2021, including the capture of the ADF position of Kambi Ya Yua and destruction of the Tondoli, Belu I and Belu II camps by air and artillery strikes; rehabilitation of the Nobili – Kamango – Mbau road by the Engineering units of the two forces; establishment of a ferry on the River Semuliki, linking Haibale on the Ugandan side and Burasi on the DRC side and rescue of 31 hostages.
