The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba on May 6th, 2024 met with his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gen. Christian Tshiwewe Songesha, the General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).
The meeting took place in the town of Kasindi in Eastern DRC and was attended by other high-ranking UPDF officials, including the Commander of Land Forces Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga and Operation Shujaa Commander Maj. Gen. Dick Olum. The FARDC delegation also included top Generals from the DRC military.
The engagement was part of the routine discussions between the UPDF and FARDC to review the progress of Operation Shujaa, which was initiated following agreements between Uganda and the DRC in 2021.
In the Kasindi meeting, Gen. Kainerugaba hailed both forces for the continued cooperation.
“Operation Shujaa is a prime example of African countries working together to address shared concerns, specifically combating the ADF terrorist threat,” Kainerugaba said.
The CDF also expressed gratitude towards the leaders of Uganda and DRC for championing this initiative, underscoring the longstanding relationship between the two nations and emphasizing the role of UPDF and FARDC in ensuring continued peaceful co-existence.
Gen. Kainerugaba who is also the Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations extended his appreciation to his DRC counterpart for the warm reception and acknowledged his leadership in driving the success of the operation. He highlighted the significant progress made in weakening the ADF terrorists, citing numerous casualties, captures, and surrenders.
Gen. Songesha reciprocated the appreciation by congratulating Gen. Muhoozi on his recent appointment as the CDF and commended the joint efforts of UPDF and FARDC in combating the common enemy, the ADF.
In November 2021, Uganda and the DR Congo signed a Memorandum of Understanding to conduct a joint military operation code-named “Operation Shujaa” against the ADF in Eastern DR Congo following escalated attacks by the rebels in both countries in 2021.