BENI, DRC — President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has donated 10 brand-new Land Cruiser pickup trucks to the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under Operation Shujaa, in recognition of their efforts in the joint fight against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in eastern DR Congo.
The vehicles were handed over on Friday, July 31, 2026, in Beni, North Kivu Province, during a ceremony attended by senior officials from both countries’ security forces.
Handing over the vehicles on behalf of President Tshisekedi, North Kivu Governor Maj Gen Somo Kakule Evariste said the gesture reflected appreciation for the strong cooperation between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo in combating terrorism and restoring stability in the region.
He said the vehicles would strengthen the operational capacity of the joint forces as they continue pursuing remaining ADF elements operating in eastern DR Congo.
The Governor also commended the cooperation between the Congolese army, the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC), and the UPDF, saying their joint operations had contributed to improved security and calm in parts of North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
The vehicles were received on behalf of the UPDF and the Ugandan government by Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, the Joint Task Force Commander of Operation Shujaa and Commander of the Mountain Infantry Division.
Speaking at the event, Maj Gen Mugerwa thanked President Tshisekedi for what he described as a gesture of partnership and appreciation towards the UPDF.
He conveyed gratitude on behalf of President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the Uganda armed forces, and UPDF Chief of Defence Forces Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
Maj Gen Mugerwa said the joint forces would continue operations until the ADF threat is completely eliminated from eastern DR Congo.
“On behalf of the Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni and the Chief of Defence Forces UPDF Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, we thank His Excellency President Tshisekedi for this good gesture,” he said.
“Together, the joint forces will not rest until all ADF terrorists are wiped out completely from eastern DRC.”
Since the launch of Operation Shujaa in November 2021, the UPDF and FARDC have reported several achievements, including the degradation of ADF capabilities, disruption of its command structure, rescue of abducted civilians and the return of some displaced communities.
The military says improved security has also supported the reopening of schools, increased trade between Uganda and DR Congo, and progress on infrastructure projects, including roads linking Beni to Kasindi, Beni to Biakato, Biakato to Mangina and Luna to Komanda.
Operation Shujaa was launched after a series of ADF-linked attacks, including bomb explosions in Uganda, prompted President Museveni and President Tshisekedi to agree on joint military action against the armed group.
The operation involves coordinated efforts between the UPDF and FARDC targeting ADF bases and networks in the Kivu and Ituri regions, where the group has operated for years.
Uganda and DR Congo have maintained that the joint campaign is aimed at restoring long-term peace and security in eastern Congo while strengthening economic and social links between communities on both sides of the border.