Kasindi, Eastern DRC | The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have held high-level security talks aimed at enhancing joint operations on Lake Edward, following an incident that occurred on 1 October 2025.
The bilateral meeting took place on Wednesday at Kasindi Port in Beni, Eastern DRC, and brought together senior commanders from both forces, including UPDF Mountain Division Commander Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, UPDF 2 Infantry Division Deputy Commander Col James Kasule, and FARDC Northern Front – Kivu I Sector Commander Brig Gen Mugisa Muleka Joseph.
The discussions centred on strengthening coordination between marine forces operating on Lake Edward, with both sides agreeing to establish regular engagement mechanisms to prevent future incidents.
Maj Gen Mugerwa called for structured collaboration through the formation of a joint committee to manage cross-border security operations.
“Marine commanders should meet regularly. There is a need for a committee that will always convene to resolve issues and strengthen our cooperation,” he said.
Brig Gen Mugisa echoed the sentiment, reaffirming the long-standing partnership between the two forces.
“FARDC and UPDF have a permanent bond and will continue to cooperate because we face common challenges,” he noted.
As a gesture of continued cooperation, Maj Gen Mugerwa handed over five submachine guns, two light machine guns, 17 fully loaded magazines, and two boxes of LMG ammunition to FARDC officials.
He also confirmed that the boat and 25-horsepower engine involved in the earlier incident would be retrieved by the Congolese side within the week.
According to Maj Kiconco Tabaro, the UPDF 2 Infantry Division Public Information Officer, among the key resolutions reached were Joint patrols on Lake Edward, Regular security and fisheries coordination meetings and Sensitisation of fishing communities along the lake shores
Maj Tabaro says that the meeting underscored the commitment of both nations to safeguarding shared water bodies and promoting peaceful coexistence among border communities.
