The European Union (EU) Special Representative for the Great Lakes Region, H.E. Johan Borgstam, has commended the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) for their significant role in restoring stability in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The EU envoy made these remarks during a meeting with Lt Gen Muhanga Kayanja, Commander of Land Forces, who represented the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, at the Special Forces Command Headquarters in Entebbe.
During the courtesy call, Lt Gen Kayanja briefed H.E. Borgstam on the progress of joint operations between the UPDF and the Congolese Army (FARDC) in Eastern DRC. These operations, which began in December 2021, have been focused on eliminating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and restoring normalcy in conflict-affected areas. The efforts have reportedly allowed many Congolese to return to their homes, schools to reopen, and trade activities to resume.
H.E. Borgstam, who had flown in from Bunia in Eastern DRC as part of his routine tour, expressed the EU’s gratitude for the UPDF’s dedication in difficult terrain. He praised the soldiers for their professionalism and called on the UPDF to continue collaborating with other partners, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), to deliver humanitarian assistance to people affected by the conflict.
The meeting also highlighted the UPDF’s commitment to maintaining peace and security in the region. Lt Gen Kayanja emphasized that the UPDF is ready to work with all partners committed to eliminating terrorist threats and creating long-term stability in Eastern DRC. He assured that the army will continue its efforts alongside FARDC to protect civilians and restore confidence in local communities.
H.E. Jan Sadak, Ambassador of the European Union Delegation, also attended the meeting. He extended greetings and appreciation from the EU Foreign Minister for the UPDF’s work in Somalia. Sadak further offered condolences to the families of UPDF soldiers who tragically lost their lives in the recent helicopter crash under the African Union Mission in Somalia (ATMIS).
The EU team, accompanied by Mr. Tristan Terryn, Political Advisor to the EUSR, Mr. Guillaume Chartrain, Deputy Ambassador of the EU Delegation, and Mr. Toke Hauch Arnold, Political Advisor to the EU Delegation, expressed strong support for Uganda’s continued contribution to regional peacekeeping efforts. The visit underscored the importance of international partnerships in fostering security, humanitarian aid, and development in fragile regions.
Through these discussions, the EU recognized the UPDF’s dual role in both combatting insurgency and supporting humanitarian initiatives. The envoy’s visit reaffirmed the EU’s commitment to working with Uganda and other partners to ensure sustainable peace in Eastern DRC, highlighting the positive impact of well-coordinated military and humanitarian operations on the lives of affected communities
