UPDF, FARDC Commanders Meet in Bunia to Bolster Operations in Eastern DR Congo

Bunia, Ituri – Senior commanders from the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have concluded a high-level bilateral coordination and evaluation meeting under Operation Shujaa aimed at assessing progress and refining joint operations against negative forces in eastern DRC.

The two-day meeting, held at the Governor’s office in Bunia from March 27 to 28, brought together top military leadership from both nations.

The Ugandan delegation was led by Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, accompanied by Maj. Gen. Richard Otto, Commander of the Mountain Infantry Division based in Fort Portal. Uganda’s Ambassador to the DRC, Hajji Farid Kaliisa, also attended.

On the Congolese side, Lt. Gen. Ychaligonza Nduru Jacques, FARDC’s Deputy Chief of the General Staff for Operations and Intelligence, led the delegation, alongside Lt. Gen. Luboya Nkashama Johnny, Military Governor of Ituri Province.

Key among the resolutions was a renewed commitment to protecting civilians from attacks by violent armed groups destabilising the region.

The joint commanders agreed on the immediate deployment of joint patrols along key routes, including the Mahagi–Bunia highway (RN 27), to ensure the safe passage of civilian convoys and restore confidence in the state’s security presence.

The commanders also emphasised the importance of strengthening trust between local communities and the joint forces, pledging to enhance cooperation with the population and local leaders.

In a strong message to local militias, the joint forces urged all armed groups to lay down their arms and join the Disarmament, Demobilisation, Reintegration, and Stabilisation Program (PDDRC-S) led by the DRC government. Failure to do so, the commanders warned, would prompt active military operations targeting those who reject the peace process.

Operation Shujaa, launched in 2021, remains a vital bilateral mission to dismantle insurgent networks and restore stability to eastern DRC, with Uganda and DRC reaffirming their shared resolve to eliminate threats and foster long-term peace in the region.