The meeting was held on August 30, 2023, between the Commander of the Defence Forces (CDF), Gen.Wilson Mbadi Mbasu, of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), and his counterpart, Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Christian Tshiwewe Songesa of the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This meeting is part of the memorandum of understanding between the governments of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda jointly fight alongside each other against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in the Eastern DRC.
Gen.Mbadi noted that the meeting comes at a critical moment that requires better decision-making by the joint forces.
“Our efforts must bring peace and security in Eastern DRC, especially in the areas of operation Shujaa, to enable our people to engage in socio-economic activities for their well-being and cross-border trade,” said Gen. Mbadi.
Gen.Mabdi was quite complimentary of the already robust bilateral relations between the two countries.
“Your presence here today is a clear testimony of the importance you attach to existing bilateral relations, but also to Operation Shujaa for the pacification of that part of the country,” Gen Mbadi said.
Lt. Gen. Tshiwewe paid tribute to the UPDF troops who lost their lives and those who got injured on the battleground during the ongoing Operation Shujaa for the benefit of bringing peace.
“We don’t take for granted the sacrifice of fallen UPDF men and women, casualties, and the families of the bereaved colleagues for the peace they have won for the good of the rest of the people in the DRC and Uganda,” Lt. Gen. Tshiwewe said.
He further saluted Lt Gen.Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Land Forces, Maj.Gen. Dick Olum, the overall commander of Operation Shujaa and Mountain Division; and Maj. Gen. James Birungi, the Chief of Military Intelligence (CMI), for their tremendous work in Operation Shujaa.
Present at the meeting were all the above-mentioned commanders: Maj. Gen. Christian Ndayewel Okura, CMI FARDC; Maj. Gen. Mpenzo Mbele Bruno Commander, 34th Military Region, North KKivu; and Sseniorofficers from UPDF and FARDC.
