The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has strengthened its military partnership with Uganda after President Félix Tshisekedi donated 10 brand-new Land Cruiser utility pickup trucks to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under Operation Shujaa. The vehicles were presented as a token of appreciation for the UPDF’s contribution in the fight against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group that has terrorized communities in eastern DRC and Uganda for many years.
The handover ceremony took place in Beni, North Kivu Province, where the Governor of North Kivu, Maj. Gen. Somo Kakule Evariste, delivered the vehicles on behalf of President Tshisekedi. He said the donation reflects the strong cooperation between the governments of Uganda and the DRC and recognizes the dedication of the joint military forces in restoring peace and stability in the region.
Governor Evariste praised the partnership between the UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), noting that their joint operations have greatly weakened the ADF. He said the new vehicles will improve mobility and help the forces intensify operations against the remaining terrorists until lasting peace is achieved across eastern DRC.
Receiving the vehicles on behalf of the UPDF and the Government of Uganda, the Commander of Operation Shujaa and Commander of the Mountain Infantry Division, Maj. Gen. Stephen Mugerwa, expressed gratitude to President Tshisekedi for what he described as a generous and timely gesture. He said the donation would strengthen the operational capacity of the joint forces.
Maj. Gen. Mugerwa conveyed appreciation on behalf of Uganda’s Commander-in-Chief, President Gen. Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba. He reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to working closely with FARDC until every ADF terrorist is eliminated from eastern DRC, saying the joint mission would continue until the region is completely secure.
Since Operation Shujaa was launched in November 2021, the joint forces have recorded significant achievements in the fight against terrorism. Large parts of eastern DRC that were once under constant threat have regained relative peace, allowing thousands of displaced families to return to their homes. The operation has also led to the rescue of many abducted civilians while several senior ADF commanders have been killed or captured, leaving the rebel group significantly weakened.
The improved security has also brought social and economic benefits. Schools that had been closed because of insecurity have reopened, while trade between Uganda and the DRC has grown steadily. Major road projects, including the Beni–Kasindi, Beni–Biakato, Biakato–Mangina and Luna–Komanda roads, are improving transport and boosting cross-border commerce.
Officials said the impact of the improved security is reflected in the sharp increase in cargo movement between the two countries. The number of cargo trucks crossing the border has reportedly risen from about 13,000 per month to more than 30,000, highlighting the growing economic ties made possible by the joint military efforts.
Operation Shujaa is a joint military offensive conducted by the UPDF and FARDC against the ADF in the North Kivu and Ituri regions of eastern DRC. The operation was launched in November 2021 following deadly bomb attacks in Kampala that were linked to the ADF. In response, President Museveni vowed to pursue the militants in their hideouts and later reached an agreement with President Tshisekedi to launch coordinated military operations against the terrorist group.
The donation of the new vehicles symbolizes the growing trust and cooperation between Uganda and the DRC. It also demonstrates both countries’ determination to continue working together until terrorism is defeated and lasting peace and development are secured for the people living in the affected regions.
