Gen Kainerugaba Meets DR Congo Counterpart, Lauds Operation Shujaa as Prime Example in Addressing Mutual Security Concerns

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met with his counterpart of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), General Christian Tshiwewe Songesha, the General Chief of Staff of FARDC, in the Eastern DR Congo Town of Kasindi on Friday, 6 May.

The meeting was part of the routine between the UPDF and FARDC to review the progress of Operation Shujaa, which has subsisted since 2021 upon agreements between Uganda and DR Congo.

Speaking at the meeting, General Kainerugaba lauded Operation Shujaa as a prime example of African countries collaborating to address shared concerns, specifically combating the ADF terrorist threat.

He expressed gratitude to the leaders of Uganda and DR Congo for championing the initiative, underscoring the longstanding relations between the two countries.

He emphasised the role of UPDF and FARDC in ensuring continued peaceful coexistence.

General Kainerugaba, also the Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, extended appreciation to his DR Congo counterpart for the warm reception and acknowledged his leadership in driving the operation’s success.

He highlighted the significant progress made in weakening the ADF terrorists, citing numerous casualties, captures, and surrenders.

General Songesha7 reciprocated the appreciation and congratulated General Muhoozi Kainerugaba on his appointment as Uganda’s CDF and commended the two countries’ joint efforts in combating the common enemy, the ADF.

The meeting was attended by senior UPDF officers, including the Commander of Land Forces (CLF) Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga and the Commander of Operation Shujaa, Major General Dick Olum. The FARDC delegation included Gen Kyaligonza (YChaligonza) Nduru among other top Generals.