President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) for their role in recent successful military operations in the region, including support to the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in reclaiming the strategic town of Nasir and taming the activities of CODECO militias in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In a message to Ugandans, Museveni praised the UPDF’s revived operational strength and regional contribution to peace and stability.
“Further good news,” the President said. “The South Sudan Army of our brother People of South Sudan, supported by the UPDF Expeditionary Force, has completely and quickly defeated the insurgents that had invaded that country, capturing a town known as Nasir and threatening other centres.”
On April 21, South Sudanese forces officially regained control of Nasir in Upper Nile State from the Nuer White Army militia, which had occupied the area since March 4. The operation, according to South Sudan military spokesman, Maj Gen Lul Ruai Koang, was completed without resistance after the militia withdrew ahead of the SSPDF’s entry. The UPDF had earlier deployed troops to Juba to support the mission following a formal request by the South Sudanese government.
Nasir, situated near the Ethiopian border and roughly 185 kilometres from Malakal, has been a flashpoint in the ongoing South Sudan conflict. The White Army’s occupation last month resulted in the death of a senior SSPDF commander, Gen David Majur Dak.
On a separate front, President Museveni also lauded the UPDF for its operations in eastern DRC, where Ugandan troops have been fighting the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and working alongside Congolese forces to counter sectarian violence by the CODECO militia.
“In Congo, the UPDF has defeated the ADF with the support of the Congo Army and tamed the sectarian CODECO that was targeting other communities in Ituri and collaborating with ADF. This is all good news,” the President stated.
CODECO leaders, who recently clashed with the UPDF in Fataki, met with Chief of Defence Forces Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba in Entebbe on April 22 to apologise and express willingness for cooperation. The delegation, led by Mr Dunji Kulukpa Etienne, Vice President of the Lendu Community in Ituri, acknowledged being misled by negative elements and reaffirmed peaceful intentions toward Uganda.
Gen Muhoozi emphasised Uganda’s long-standing ties with the people of eastern Congo and the importance of joint efforts in restoring peace to the region. He urged CODECO to work closely with the UPDF for stability. In a show of goodwill, injured CODECO militants were offered free treatment at UPDF facilities.
President Museveni concluded his remarks by congratulating the UPDF leadership and troops for their professionalism, combat effectiveness, and commitment to regional peace. “The CDF and the entire UPDF deserve congratulations for resurrecting the UPDF’s lethality in combat and for fighting corruption,” he said.