UPDF’s Gen Kainerugaba Meets DRC Counterpart, Hails Operation Shujaa Success

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, this afternoon met with his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gen. Christian Tshiwewe Songesa, the General Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC).

The meeting took place in the town of Kasindi in DRC and was attended by other high-ranking UPDF officials, including the Commander 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.

This 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 praised Operation Shujaa as a prime example of African countries working together to address shared concerns, specifically combating the ADF terrorist threat.

He 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 coexistence.

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. Songesa 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.