Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President, Félix Tshisekedi, has donated 10 brand-new Land Cruiser utility pickup trucks to the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) serving under Operation Shujaa, in recognition of their role in the ongoing joint offensive against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) terrorist group.
The vehicles were officially handed over in Beni, North Kivu Province, by North Kivu Governor Maj. Gen. Somo Kakule Evariste, who represented President Tshisekedi.
Governor Kakule said the donation reflects the DRC government’s appreciation for the strong military cooperation between Uganda and the DRC, which has significantly weakened the ADF and improved security in eastern Congo.
He noted that the additional vehicles will enhance the mobility of the joint forces and strengthen ongoing operations aimed at eliminating the remaining ADF fighters and restoring lasting peace in the region.
Kakule also commended the combined efforts of the Forces Armées de la République Démocratique du Congo (FARDC) and the UPDF, saying their collaboration has contributed to the relative peace and stability that has returned to parts of eastern DRC.
The pickup trucks were received on behalf of the UPDF and the Government of Uganda by Maj. Gen. Stephen Mugerwa, Commander of the UPDF Joint Task Force under Operation Shujaa and Commander of the Mountain Infantry Division.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Maj. Gen. Mugerwa conveyed gratitude on behalf of President Yoweri Museveni, the Commander-in-Chief of the UPDF, and the Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, thanking President Tshisekedi for what he described as a significant gesture of partnership and mutual trust.
He reaffirmed the commitment of the UPDF and FARDC to continue pursuing the ADF until the terrorist group is completely dismantled.
Operation Shujaa, a joint military campaign by the UPDF and FARDC, was launched in November 2021 following a series of deadly bomb attacks in Kampala that were attributed to the ADF.
The operation was initiated after Presidents Museveni and Tshisekedi agreed to work together to combat the cross-border terrorist threat posed by the ADF.
Since its launch, the operation has recorded significant achievements. Military officials say the ADF has been substantially degraded, with several of its senior commanders killed and thousands of abductees rescued.
Improved security has enabled many displaced civilians to return to their homes, while schools have reopened in areas that were previously affected by insecurity.
The joint operation has also supported economic recovery by improving cross-border trade and facilitating key infrastructure projects, including the Beni–Kasindi, Beni–Biakato, Biakato–Mangina and Luna–Komanda roads. Authorities say cargo truck movements between Uganda and the DRC have increased from about 13,000 per month to more than 30,000, underscoring the growth in bilateral trade between the two neighbouring countries.
The donation of the 10 pickup trucks is expected to further strengthen the operational capacity of the joint forces as they continue efforts to eliminate the remaining ADF elements and consolidate peace and stability in eastern DRC.
