The latest Operation Shujaa review meeting, held at the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mountain Division headquarters in Muhoti, Fort Portal City, has concluded after two days of intense discussions.
The meeting, which began on Monday, 30th September 2024, was opened by the Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, and included commanders from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), headed by Maj Gen Nyembo Abdallah Bath and Maj Gen Bruno Mandevu.
Lt Gen Kayanja expressed his gratitude to the two heads of state, His Excellency Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, President of Uganda, and His Excellency Felix Tshisekedi, President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, for their strategic foresight in establishing the joint force. He highlighted how this cooperation has greatly reduced the suffering caused by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists in both Uganda and the DRC.
He emphasised the importance of strengthening this collaboration, referred to as ‘Ushirikiano’, to fully defeat the ADF.
Maj Gen Nyembo Abdallah thanked the UPDF for their sacrifices, stating, “We shall continue to work together shoulder to shoulder to defeat the ADF.”
Maj Gen Richard Otto, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, praised the joint forces’ achievements, especially the tactical commanders who have pursued the enemy across difficult terrain.
These periodic review meetings are vital for the UPDF and FARDC, providing a platform to address emerging challenges and strategise for future successes against the ADF. Commanders from both forces assess their progress, discuss new opportunities, and present their recommendations to the Chiefs of Defence Forces for approval, further cementing the commitment to operational victory.
