BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo — President Félix Tshisekedi of the Democratic Republic of Congo has donated 10 brand-new Toyota Land Cruiser utility pickup trucks to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under Operation Shujaa, in recognition of their role in the joint campaign against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) insurgents.
The vehicles were handed over during a ceremony in Beni by North Kivu Governor Maj. Gen. Somo Kakule Evariste, who represented President Tshisekedi.
The governor said the donation reflects the Congolese government’s appreciation of the strong military cooperation between the DRC and Uganda in combating the ADF, whose attacks have claimed thousands of lives and displaced communities in eastern DRC and western Uganda.
“The President appreciates the excellent working relationship between the governments of the DRC and Uganda, as well as the joint operations being conducted by the FARDC and the UPDF against the ADF terrorists,” Maj. Gen. Evariste said.
He noted that the vehicles would enhance the mobility and operational effectiveness of the joint forces as they intensify operations to eliminate the remaining ADF fighters and restore lasting peace in eastern DRC.
The governor also commended the joint efforts of the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and the UPDF, saying the partnership had significantly improved security and stability across North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
The vehicles were received on behalf of the UPDF and the Government of Uganda by Maj. Gen. Stephen Mugerwa, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Infantry Division and Joint Task Force Commander of Operation Shujaa.
Speaking at the ceremony, Maj. Gen. Mugerwa conveyed appreciation from President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, Uganda’s Commander-in-Chief, and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, thanking President Tshisekedi for what he described as a generous gesture that underscores the strong partnership between the two countries.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the UPDF and FARDC to continue pursuing the ADF until the rebel group is completely dismantled.
“We shall not rest until the ADF terrorists are completely defeated and lasting peace is restored in eastern DRC,” Maj. Gen. Mugerwa said.
Achievements of Operation Shujaa
Since its launch in November 2021, Operation Shujaa has recorded significant gains in the fight against the ADF.
According to military officials, the joint offensive has restored relative peace in many parts of eastern DRC, enabling thousands of internally displaced people to return to their homes. The operation has also led to the rescue of numerous abductees, the neutralisation of several senior ADF commanders, and the degradation of the group’s operational capabilities.
The improved security situation has allowed schools to reopen, revived cross-border trade between Uganda and the DRC, and facilitated major infrastructure projects, including the construction and rehabilitation of key roads such as Beni–Kasindi, Beni–Biakato, Biakato–Mangina, and Luna–Komanda.
Military officials say the enhanced transport network has boosted trade, with the volume of cargo trucks crossing between the two countries increasing from about 13,000 per month to more than 30,000.
Background
Operation Shujaa is a joint military offensive conducted by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) against the ADF in the eastern DRC provinces of North Kivu and Ituri.
The operation was launched in November 2021 following deadly ADF-linked bomb attacks in Kampala. In response, President Museveni pledged to pursue the militants into their strongholds. Subsequent discussions between Presidents Museveni and Tshisekedi led to the establishment of the joint military campaign, which has since become one of the region’s most significant cross-border security operations against the terrorist group.
The post DRC President Tshisekedi Donates 10 Pickup Trucks to UPDF’s Operation Shujaa appeared first on Watchdog Uganda.