Major Gen Aphaxard Kiugu, the East African Community Regional Force Commander (EACRF), visited Uganda Contingent headquarters at Nyongera Kiwanja and Bunagana rear Operation Bases.
While at Nyongera, the Force Commander was received by Col Michael Walaka Hyeroba the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Contingent (UPDF UGACON) Commander.
Col Walaka welcomed Major General Kiugu at the Contingent Headquarters where he reviewed the general security situation in the UGACON area of responsibility and highlighted the achievements gained so far.
In his brief, Kiugu reminded the troops to stay focused on the EACRF Mandate. He also asked them to adhere to the Status of Force Agreement (SOFA) and rules of engagement in all operations they participate in.
He stressed the need for the troops to be duty-bound and strong towards executing their duties.
“Our role is to protect the lives of people and their property because they are our brothers and sisters, to achieve this, we need to bookwork closely with the DRC government forces (FARDC) as enshrined in the EACRF Mandate towards achieving the mission and objectives of EACRF”.
He further reminded the troops that it is equally their responsibility to facilitate the movement of people and humanitarian aid within the UGACON area of responsibility.
Gen Kiugu tasked the Contingent Commander to maintain the momentum and keep a positive relationship with the local populace towards the fulfilment of the mission.
He concluded his address by thanking the troops for the tremendous job done not only in EACRF but in other operations for peace since their deployment.
He was accompanied by Brigadier Emmanuel Kaputa the Deputy Force Commander (DFC) Intelligence and Operations, Administration and Logistics Brigadier Gen Ndorarigonya Georgoire, Brigadier Michael Kibuye Chief of Staff EACRF and other Senior Force headquarter staff Officers.
This is the first joint Operations Area familiarization visit of the EACRF Commander to the UGACON Forces with the aim of boosting the morale of the troops, the needs of the mission and assessing UGACONS’s progress and achievements from the time he assumed office.