The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Contingent Commander, Colonel Mike Walaka Hyeroba, during a field reconnaissance in Kinyandonyi town, Rutshuru located 09 kilometres from Nyongera town of Kiwanja, North Kivu in the Democratic Republic of Congo, assured the residents of total security.
He promised that the UPDF under East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) will protect them, their properties and their rights.
In the presence of the M23 Commanders during the assessment of the M23 detach where EACRF is to deploy upon vacating the place, he met a crowd of threatened civilians leaving the area whom he informed that UPDF is a friendly force that is in DRC for a peacekeeping mission and it’s mandated to protect the citizens against any hostility from any armed groups.
Col Hyeroba added that UPDF’s main mission is to witness the dialogue between M23 and the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo as a neutral force so that lasting peace prevails.
Mr Mugabushaka Nyamwasa Kinyonga, the area Local Council One (LC1) of Kinyandonyi, welcomed the Ugandan Contingent into the area and he promised that the locals under his leadership will cooperate with the contingent in an effort to bring about tranquillity and coherence into the town.
He, however, reported to the UPDF that, the town normally gets attacks from unknown armed thugs who rob and steal from the community thus hampering the development of the town and he requested UPDF to stay longer in the area for their safety.
Col Mike Walaka Hyeroba in his response asked the community not to worry because UPDF is a pro-people army that is mandated to protect all citizens under his area of responsibility.
“UPDF will provide universal security to all, without segregation as it’s mandated by East African Community Regional Forces (EACRF)”.
The Contingent Commander asked the community to cooperate with the UPDF.
He applauded them for trusting in the UPDF for the noble cause of peace and cautioned them to work hard and improve food security and business so as to improve their livelihoods.
