Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) and Senior Presidential Advisor for Special Operations, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, held a high-level meeting with senior military officials from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to enhance collaboration on regional security, with a particular focus on the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC.

The strategic discussions took place at the Special Forces Command (SFC) Headquarters in Entebbe and centered on the progress and future trajectory of Operation Shujaa—a joint military campaign between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC). The operation aims to neutralize the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist group operating in eastern Congo.

The DRC delegation was led by Maj Gen Nyembo Abdallah, commander of the Ituri sector, and Maj Gen Mandevu Bruno, who oversees operations in North Kivu. They were accompanied by other senior FARDC officers, further emphasizing the importance of this bilateral meeting.

In his opening remarks, Gen. Kainerugaba welcomed the visiting generals, commending the ongoing partnership and mutual support between Uganda and the DRC military forces. He reiterated Uganda’s commitment to long-term cooperation, stressing that the region’s security hinges on continuous and coordinated efforts between the two armies.

“Success in ensuring lasting peace and stability in the region is built on our ability to work together,” Gen. Kainerugaba remarked, underscoring the strategic importance of unity in combating regional instability.

Operation Shujaa has already yielded significant successes, particularly in restoring stability to areas previously plagued by rebel activities. The operation has facilitated the return of displaced communities to their homes, enabling them to resume agricultural and trade activities.

On the Ugandan front, the operation has notably weakened the ADF’s capacity to carry out attacks, disrupting their networks and mobility. While commanders indicate the group’s structure has been dismantled, scattered elements are still believed to be operating in the dense jungle areas along the border.

This latest meeting follows Gen Kainerugaba’s recent engagement with CODECO, a political and militia group in eastern DRC, marking a continued emphasis on dialogue as part of Uganda’s broader strategy for lasting peace in the region.

Also present at the meeting was Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, the UPDF Commander of Land Forces, along with other senior officers from both countries. Their collective presence underscored the shared commitment to regional security and the importance of close military cooperation in the face of evolving threats.

As tensions persist in eastern DRC, this continued collaboration between Uganda and the DRC is seen as a crucial step in stabilizing the region and ensuring peace for its long-suffering population.