Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) troops have crossed the Uganda – DR Congo border to deploy in Bunagana, Kiwanja and Mabenga within Rutshuru, marking a critical milestone and the final phase towards full deployment of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Commander of Land Force, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, on March 29, 2023, presided over the flagging-off of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Contingent to serve under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Defence Forces, General Wilson Mbasu Mbadi, the Commander of Land Force, Lt Gen Muhanga, said that today marks another chapter in the many peacekeeping operations that UPDF has been involved in.
“Having pacified the country, UPDF now exports peace in other countries. We were in Liberia at one time, we are in Somalia, been to South Sudan, Central African Republic. We are also in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo fighting the Allied Democratic Forces terrorists which we are doing very well and fulfilling our objectives,” said Lt Gen Muhanga.
Lt Gen Muhanga emphasized that there East African Community Regional Force is on a peacekeeping mission and is there to witness the process of achieving peace in the Eastern DRC.
“The EACRF is not going attack the belligerents there but it is going to witness and ensure the implementations of the decisions that were taken between the Heads of States meetings,” the CLF added.
The UPDF Contingent Commander Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba said he is leading ambassadors of peace and tranquillity to help another African country that is under turmoil and assured the guests that the troops under his command are fully prepared to execute the mission.
“We are prepared, we have the train, we have gained the cohesion that is required of us and we are ready for the task that our country and the region has assigned to us,” said Col Hyeroba.
The flag-off function was attended by the RDC Kisoro, Chairman LC5, Senior UPDF Officers, invited guests and residents of the area.
