The Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) Contingent Commander, Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba, has urged troops serving under the East African Community Regional Force in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo to be alert and prepared to defend themselves in the event that they are attacked.
Col. Hyeroba made the remarks on November 3, 2023, during an ad-hoc operational meeting held with commanding officers and men in place of the rapidly changing security environment in EACRF areas of operation.
“The mandate gives us a right to defend ourselves. As a force, we should ensure constant alertness and preparedness to act anytime. Be ready to defend yourselves; if they attack, don’t wait,” Col. Hyeroba said.
He noted that if the contingent is to consolidate the dividends registered, the force must accept being inconvenienced.
“Avoid comfort zones and adhere to the standard operation procedures of UPDF while executing its mandate,” Col. Hyeroba said.
He called upon commanders to ensure force protection and be on standby, ready to defend and confront any hostility by enemies of peace on the EACRF.
This comes at a time of ongoing threats against the mission troops and a series of attacks on the forces of Burundi, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda.
