Senior commanders of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) convened in Beni on Tuesday for a joint operational review under Operation Shujaa, assessing advances in the ongoing campaign against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group in eastern DRC.

The meeting evaluated recent results in neutralizing ADF elements and reaffirmed the partners’ resolve to restore lasting peace and stability across North Kivu, South Kivu, and Ituri provinces.

Lieutenant General Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of the UPDF Land Forces, stressed the importance of deeper integration between the two armies.

“If we are to achieve commendable results against the enemy, we must rehearse together, train together, brief together, and plan together,” Lt Gen Muhanga told joint commanders and staff.

Lieutenant General Ychalingoza Nduru Jacques, FARDC Deputy Chief of General Staff for Operations and Intelligence, commended the combined forces for steadily reclaiming calm in previously volatile zones.

He specifically thanked the UPDF for its engineering support in rehabilitating critical road infrastructure.

“These roads are not only strategic for security operations but also vital for economic recovery in the region,” he said, highlighting completed or ongoing upgrades on the Kasindi–Beni, Beni–Byakato, Byakato–Mangina, and Komanda–Luna axes.

Lt Gen Nduru Jacques also disclosed that recent joint operations had rescued several hostages and led to the arrest of multiple suspected ADF collaborators.

Major General Stephen Mugerwa, Commander of the UPDF Mountain Infantry Division, expressed appreciation for the FARDC’s strong cooperation and rapid responsiveness during field operations.

Launched in November 2021 following an agreement between Presidents Yoweri Kaguta Museveni of Uganda and Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC, Operation Shujaa remains a cornerstone of bilateral efforts to dismantle the ADF—a group designated as a terrorist organisation by both countries and linked to Islamic State affiliates.

The Beni review underscores continued high-level commitment to the joint mission amid persistent security challenges in eastern Congo.