The Ugandan army has described as “falsehoods” reports that the recent attack carried out by UPDF and the Congolese army on ADF camps was in violation of the law. UPDF has refuted claims that Uganda’s infantry were deployed in Eastern Congo to conduct the operation, adding that no soldier suffered injuries during the offensive strikes.
On Friday, Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) together with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) hit eight camps in Beni harboring Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group.
Over 100 of the ADF militants were killed and others injured during the attack on the camps of Medina, Canada, Topoke 2, Kajaju, Camp Richard, Makayoba and Sangote. These are said to have been ADF strongholds.
The strikes followed an attack by ADF on UN Peacekeepers in North Kivu province weeks ago which killed 15 Tanzanian soldiers and left 50 injured. Intelligence further unearthed plans by the rebel outfit to attack parts of Uganda.
The UPDF says they used long range artillery and fighter jets to launch the attack but alternative reports have been making rounds on social media claiming that Uganda had boots on the ground, in contravention with the territorial integrity of neighbouring DRC.
In a statement released on Wednesday by the UPDF Spokesperson, Brig Richard Karemire, “UPDF has neither deployed any infantry troops inside DRC nor suffered any casualties”.
“These limited operations remain to be conducted within the boundaries of law and with full knowledge and blessings of the DRC,” Brig Karemire added.
The army has urged all Ugandans and the country’s allies to “disregard these falsehoods” and to treat them with contempt.
“UPDF shall remain committed to its covenant of protecting the civilians and there should be no cause for worry.”
In the meantime, the army has maintained active defensive operations along the borderline in the districts of Bundibugyo, Kasese and Ntoroko to deter any terrorists from sneaking into Uganda.
Should any of these militants attempt to attack Uganda’s border villages, the UPDF will not hesitate to pursue them, Brig Karemire vowed.