By Gilbert Akampa Kakurugu
National
On March 22, 2024, Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, the Commander Land Forces, held a crucial meeting with senior commanders of Operation Shujaa in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The meeting, which took place at the operation tactical headquarters in Lunah, aimed to assess the progress, successes, challenges, and future direction of the operation.
Major General Dick Prit Olum, the overall Commander of the Operation, welcomed Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga and engaged in discussions regarding the latest developments in Operation Shujaa. The meeting was essential in providing strategic leadership insights for the upcoming joint review meeting between the UPDF and FARDC, involving the Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of General Staff of both forces.
In December 2023, Sector Four of the operation was initiated to pursue the remaining elements of the Allied Democratic Forces in the Elengeti-Kamanda-Mambasa triangle. This initiative allowed for the reopening of the Elengeti-Kamanda road, a significant transportation route previously affected by ADF-related security concerns.
Operation Shujaa, launched in November 2021, has seen the joint forces successfully dismantle ADF strongholds in various sectors, including Busunga, Nobili, and Kamango. The operation targets the ADF, an ISIS-affiliated terror group led by Musa Baluku, with efforts focused on locating key leaders such as Luminsa, Amigo, and Abu Waqas in the challenging terrain of Eastern DRC.
The meeting was attended by commanders, principal staff officers, and department heads involved in Operation Shujaa, demonstrating a unified approach towards addressing security challenges in the region.
This high-level engagement highlights the continuous commitment of the involved forces to combat terrorism and restore stability in the DRC, reflecting the ongoing partnership between the UPDF and FARDC in Operation Shujaa as reported by Major Bilal Katamba, the Public information officer UPDF Mountain Division.
