Uganda and DR Congo armies sign co-operation pact

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Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), on Friday flew to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) for a working visit.

His office has revealed that while in Kinshasa capital city, the CDF held a meeting with his counterpart, Lt Gen. Jules Banza Mwilambwe, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC). 

CDF Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba upon arrival. (Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

According to a press release from the CDF's office, Gen. Kainerugaba and his host discussed a number of issues regarding military and security interests of both countries.

These included: enhancing military cooperation and reviewing progress in joint security efforts, particularly the successes of Operation Shujaa.

According to military sources, this UPDF-FARDC collaboration has significantly degraded the ADF rebels and restored stability in Eastern DRC.

Gen. Kainerugaba and his host acknowledged the gains made by the operation, which have contributed to improved peace and security in the region. 

(Courtesy)

(Courtesy)

The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to further solidify military cooperation between the two forces. 

Gen. Kainerugaba's delegation to DRC included Lt Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces, and other senior UPDF officers.

The FARDC hosts at the meeting included Deputy Chief of General Staff Lt Gen. Jacques Nduru and several top military officials. 

In March this year, officers from both armies held a joint evaluation meeting to assess progress of Operation Shujaa

The two-day meeting in Busia was held on March 27-28.

On Friday, the UPDF communications office reported that Gen. Kainerugaba's visit to Kinshasa, "marks a significant step forward in Uganda-DRC defence relations, reinforcing the commitment to lasting peace and regional security."