UPDF deploys more troops in DRC

About 1000 UPDF officers, according to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesperson, Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, have been deployed in DRC.

While flagging off the troops yesterday, Kulayigye said they will be joining their counterparts of the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF).

“The UPDF is deploying 1000 officer in DRC to join the East African Regional force,” he said.

The UPDF has been deployed in DRC but on a separate mission with the Congolese national army, Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).

Other countries such as Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan have troops in the country under the EACRF.

Angola, which not part of the region, too has had troops there since last year.

Earlier this week, Kulayigye, revealed that 20 Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels were killed in a raid conducted by both the UPDF and FARDC.

Kulayigye who revealed this on his official twitter account said both the Congolese and Ugandan national armies conducted the raid on Saturday, 25th March in South West of River Lusulubi near River Semuliki, Rwenzori Sector in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

“On Saturday 25th March at 10: 30 am, the UPDF & FARDC Joint Forces had a fight with elements of ADF South West of River Lusulubi near River Semuliki - Rwenzori Sector in DRC,” he twitted.

He added: “20 ADF were killed & the following were charged from the enemy;4 AK 47s, 313 Rounds of AK 47, 5 Magazines of AK 47,11 Quran Books,7 Solar panels,2 Combat Uniforms of UPDF,7 Combat Uniforms of FARDC, 5 charge Pots of Walkie Talkies, 5 Radios, 5 Batteries, 2 Phones, 3 Back Packs, 2 Ponchos, 2 Fishing Nets. 1 UPDF soldier was killed in the fight. May his soul rest in eternal peace.”