The East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) Commander, Major General Aphaxard Kiugu, has commended the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) contingent in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for the good discipline, commitment, and resilience they maintained in mission, as evidenced during their routine activities in the course of executing the EACRF mandate.
Maj. General Kiugu commended the UPDF for restoring peace and stability in DRC and praised the force for being professional and disciplined.
“The performance of the Uganda Contingent has given me full satisfaction that UPDF is comprised of professional and deployable men who can deliver because it managed to restore normalcy in its area of responsibility by enabling free movement of the local populace, protecting their lives and property, and aiding the functioning of the humanitarian aid workers,” Kiugu said.
Kiugu made the remarks on Monday, December 11, 2023, during his last command visit to the UPDF at its tactical contingent headquarters in Niongera Kiwanja, Rutshuru territory, to bid farewell to the contingent troops and to check on the progress of the withdrawal of the UPDF out of the DRC.
“I have therefore come for my last visit to UGACON and to also see you before you exit out of the mission area, and I will be the last person to leave DRC after confirming the complete withdrawal of the Uganda Contingent.” Maj. Gen. Kiugu added.
The Force Commander noted that the level of cooperation witnessed among the EACRF forces was a clear indication that the forces could operate within East Africa.
Maj. Gen. Kiugu lauded Ugandan Contingent Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba for exhibiting good leadership and management of his troops during the execution of the EACRF mandate.
Col. Hyeroba thanked the Force Commander and the entire Force headquarters team for the guidance, timely support, and cooperation accorded to the UPDF Contingent during its routine military activities during the mission.
He applauded the people of Rutshuru territory for welcoming, supporting, and working very closely with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces Contingent in trying to find lasting peace in their area.
Maj. Gen. Kiugu later visited Uganda Contingent’s Amani (Peace) forest, measuring four hectares in Niongera Kiwanja, and planted a tree for remembrance before his departure to Goma.
