The European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, H.E. Johan Borgstam, on Friday met the Commander Land Force, Lt Gen Muhanga Kayanja, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe.
The courtesy call focused on the ongoing joint military operations by the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in Eastern DRC.
H.E. Borgstam, who had flown in from Bunia as part of his routine regional tour, commended the UPDF for its role in restoring security and stability in areas liberated from the ADF since the launch of Operation Shujaa in December 2021. He further urged the UPDF to continue collaborating with partners such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to deliver humanitarian assistance to communities affected by the conflict.
On behalf of the CDF, Lt Gen Kayanja briefed the EU delegation on the progress of the operations, highlighting the return of displaced families, the reopening of schools, and increased trade as indicators of the success achieved so far. He reiterated the UPDF’s commitment to working with all well-intentioned partners to eliminate the ADF threat and bring lasting peace to the region.
The EU delegation included H.E. Jan Sadak, Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Uganda, who delivered appreciation from the EU Foreign Minister for the UPDF’s efforts in Somalia and extended condolences for the soldiers who lost their lives in a recent helicopter crash under ATMIS.
Others in the EU team were Mr. Tristan Terryn, Political Advisor to the EUSR; Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation; and Mr. Toke Hauch Arnold, Political Advisor to the EU Delegation.
UPDF Refutes Misinformation on DRC Operations
Meanwhile, the UPDF has dismissed reports alleging civilian killings in Komanda–Eringeti areas of DRC, clarifying that no such incidents occurred.
According to the army, an engagement with ADF rebels took place in Apakwang, about 40km north of Komanda in Mambasa territory, resulting in the death of two UPDF soldiers. The area, once an ADF stronghold under leader Musa Baluku, has since been recaptured.
UPDF Spokesperson noted that sustained pressure from joint UPDF–FARDC operations has forced the ADF to carry out sporadic reprisal attacks on isolated villages in a bid to intimidate locals and attract publicity.
In recent fighting, UPDF–FARDC forces successfully attacked two ADF groups of 10–15 fighters in Chabi, killing three rebels and recovering three guns. Pursuit operations continue against another splinter group of 15–20 fighters operating around Oicha.
The UPDF reaffirmed its commitment to protecting civilians, dismantling terrorist networks, and restoring peace in eastern DRC alongside FARDC forces.