FORT PORTAL 2 OCTOBER 2024: The periodic operation Shujaa review meeting sitting at the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) Mountain Division Headquarters in Muhoti Fort Portal City has closed after two days of intense deliberations.
According to UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa Public Information Officer, Major Bilal Katamba, the meeting which was opened on Monday 30th September 2024 by the Commander Land Force Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga attracted commanders from the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) led by Maj Gen Nyembo Abdallah Bath and Maj Gen Bruno Mandevu.
Lt Gen Kayanja thanked the two Heads of state, His Excellencies Gen Yoweri Kaguta Museveni President of the Republic of Uganda, and His Excellency Felix Thsilombo Tshisekedi President of the Democratic Republic of Congo for their strategic insight that led to the instituting of a joint operation force that has relieved the Wanaichi of DRC and Uganda from the atrocities of the terrorists ADF.
In the PIO’s statement, Lt. Gen. Kayanja emphasized the need for continued enhancement of cooperation ‘Ushirikiano’ between UPDF and FARDC to enable the joint forces to completely route the ADF.
The FARDC head of delegation Maj Gen Nyembo Abdallah thanked the UPDF for the sacrifice made during Operation Shujaa which has led to peace and stability in the sectors where the joint forces are operating “We shall continue to work together shoulder by shoulder to defeat the ADF” Said Maj Gen Abdallah.
Maj Gen Richard Otto, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa expressed gratitude for the successful collaboration between joint forces, citing several accomplished missions. He specifically acknowledged the tactical commanders for their tireless efforts in pursuing the enemy through treacherous terrain.
Katamba says the periodic operation review meetings for Operation Shujaa serve as a crucial platform where the joint forces of Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) discuss emerging challenges and explore new opportunities for success. They enable the forces to reassess their strategy and forge a way forward to effectively combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group.
During these review meetings, Commanders from both UPDF and FARDC Land forces convene to deliberate on the outcomes and chart a course for future operations. The decisions made are then presented to the Chiefs of Defence Forces for approval and signature, solidifying the joint forces’ commitment to operational success.