Museveni Orders UPDF Troops in DR Congo to Hold Position as EAC Regional Force is Activated

President Museveni has ordered Ugandan troops fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo against Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels to hold their positions.

This was announced Wednesday night by UPDF Land Forces Commander, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

“President Museveni has instructed me and all UPDF forces to hold all our positions in the DRC!” Muhoozi said on his official Twitter handle.

“We shall do exactly that! Absolutely no movements of any troops throughout Operation Shujaa until further notice!”
He added: “Furthermore, we await the final declaration by Chairman Uhuru.”

In his statement, Uhuru Kenyatta who doubles as the Chairman of East African Community (EAC) called for a cessation of hostilities in eastern DRC.

The Kenyan President called for the declaration of Ituri, North Kivu (Bunagana, Bugusa, most parts of Petit Nord, Masisi, Lubero, Beni-Kasindi main axis) and South Kivu provinces as a Weapons Free Zone.

He said any individual or group carrying weapons outside the official and legally deployed and mandated forces in the country will be disarmed.

“Ndio Afande! All UPDF troops will comply with the orders of the East African leaders,” Muhoozi replied.

As a lasting solution, President Kenyatta further called for activation of the East African Regional Force under the auspices of the East African Community (EAC).

He said the East African Regional Force shall be deployed to the Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces immediately to stabilize the zone and enforce peace in support of the DRC security forces and in close coordination with MONUSCO.