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Muhoozi was welcomed by the Commander of Operation Shujaa, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto
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By Our Reporter
The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who also serves as the Senior Presidential Adviser for Special Operations, visited the joint forces operating in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Thursday. The joint operation, dubbed Operation Shujaa, comprises the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
Gen. Kainerugaba arrived in North Kivu Province before proceeding to the neighboring Ituri Province, where he met with commanders and troops involved in the operation. He was welcomed by the Commander of Operation Shujaa, Maj. Gen. Richard Otto. Accompanying the CDF were senior military officers, including the Commander Land Forces, Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga; Artillery Division Commander, Brig. Gen. Dan Kakono; and Col. Albert Kashakamba.
In his address to the troops, Gen. Kainerugaba commended their dedication and patriotism in the fight against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorists. To recognize their efforts, he hosted a joint Christmas and New Year luncheon for the soldiers.
He urged the forces to intensify efforts to eradicate the remaining ADF fighters, stressing that both President Yoweri Museveni of Uganda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC had tasked them with completing the mission by the end of the year. Some soldiers pledged to capture key ADF commanders, including a notorious figure known as "Bwakasi" (Abu Wakasi), alive.
The visit highlighted the progress of Operation Shujaa. Civilians were observed engaging in routine activities, such as transporting goods and farming, a testament to the restored stability in the region. However, the presence of abandoned, shrub-covered houses served as a stark reminder of the devastation caused by the ADF before the operation commenced.
Launched in November 2021, Operation Shujaa has achieved significant milestones, including the restoration of normalcy for civilian populations and a drastic reduction in attacks on Ugandan territory. The operation has also dealt a severe blow to the ADF's organizational capacity, with several senior commanders killed. The remaining ADF elements now operate in smaller groups, often outside the operation's jurisdiction.
Gen. Kainerugaba pledged to return to the operation area and challenged the troops to ensure the complete decimation of the enemy. His visit underscores the strong commitment of the UPDF and FARDC to joint efforts aimed at enhancing regional security and stability.
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