The two commanding officers for operation ‘Shujaa’ belong to the Uganda army, and its partners from DRC have broken ground to construct 125km Kasindi-Beni-Butembo road.
The ceremony that took place at the Mpondwe-Lubiriha border post attracted a mammoth crowd from the two sister countries.
The UPDF Commander for Operation Shujaa, Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga, noted while speaking during the function that the road project is essential, especially fr the safety purpose as well as the national strategic end state of creating a peaceful and healthy environment for the people in order to carry out their business unfettered.
Furthermore, Gen Muhanga stated we are not only focusing on one road but also jointly constructing other roads like Nobili Mukakati- River Semulik and Burasi- Boga roads ad after the Bungana -Rutchuru – Goma road will be protected and tarmacked.”
He then highlighted the collaboration of the two militaries that he stated is of great benefit for the citizens of both countries.
“Our strong brotherly relationship with FARDC is unbeatable, and we are doing almost everything together. Gen Bombelle and I are, as parents, like one child misbehaves, we become strict parents, and discipline him,” he said, referring to the junior commanders who are brought to order in case of misunderstandings or mistakes.
He further stated that the first and second phases of the operation against ADF rebels to dislodge and destroy their camps of Tandoli, Abia, Kambi Ya Yua, Chua and others and dominating the cases have been entirely successful.
“The enemy is on the run spread in smaller groups, but ultimately we shall find them,” he said.
Maj Gen Bombelle Camille Ehola from FADRC said that both forces are working together, sharing their available resources and fighting for peace.
“Our cordial relationship in fighting the enemy is being shown in the results of operation Shujaa. This is also reflected amongst our soldiers who eat, sleep, and fight together. He further stated that enemies of peace would be wiped out in the region with this relationship,” said Gen Bombelle.
“I send deep gratitude from the people of Congo who have started realizing peace in their places due to the joint operation. Recently I was in Kommanda and Eringeti, and people are longing to see Gen Kayanja Muhanga because of what he has done in fighting ADF.”
He stated that by breaking ground on the 125-kilometre road, they are putting into action what the two presidents of Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo agreed upon: the construction of roads and that the joint forces were ready to complete the task successfully.
According to Gen Muhanga, “I would like to remind you that the two presidents gave us a task of guarding this project, and our forces are ready to execute the task, and we have mobilized the population along the roads that in case they see the enemy around they should immediately inform us about their reaction.
Muhindi Eliphaze Bukombi, the Kasese LCV Chairman, thanked the two presidents of DRC and Uganda for being creative on trans-border infrastructural development.
This, he said, will change and encourage the well-being of the people of the two countries.
“The construction of this infrastructure will benefit our people’s economic well-being not only in trade but also in cementing the cordial relationship between the two countries,” he said.
He added that the joint forces working together in stopping ADF had brought enormous confidence to the population that peace and security would be achieved.
“Aware that peace and security are the bedrock of meaningful development, we thank the two presidents for their foresight in recognizing that we must coexist despite our differences.” The people of Kasese are the primary beneficiaries of this project, which provides employment, rental services, and the purchase or sale of goods. As a result, our primary responsibility is to ensure that security prevails in our region,” Bukombi emphasized.
