NEWS – Colonel Michael Walaka Hyeroba, the Commander of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces contingent serving under the East African Regional (EACRF) Force in the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has emphasized the need for constant vigilance and self-defense preparedness among his troops in response to potential attacks.
“We must remain alert and ready to act at all times. Be prepared to defend yourselves. Our mandate grants us the right to self-defense,” emphasized Col. Hyeroba during an impromptu operational meeting with Commanding Officers and Men, considering the evolving security situation in EACRF operational areas.
This directive comes in the wake of persistent threats against mission troops, following recent attacks on forces from Burundi, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda Contingents.
Colonel Hyeroba urged the force to embrace inconvenience, avoid comfort zones, and adhere to standard operating procedures for the consolidation of achieved gains.
He specifically called on commanders to prioritize force protection, stay on standby, and be ready to counter any hostilities from adversaries of peace within the EACRF.
Tasking his troops with the protection of those under threat and supporting humanitarian actors in reaching the local community, Col. Walaka emphasized that the EACRF’s mission in the DRC is driven by the goal of peacekeeping and stabilizing the entire region, with local inhabitants being crucial to this objective.
Expressing gratitude for the officers and men’s Pan Africanism spirit and sacrifices in pacifying North Kivu, Col. Walaka reminded them that the UPDF would collaborate closely with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) to achieve the total restoration of peace and stability through peaceful dialogue.
This commitment aligns with the mandates approved by the East African Regional Heads of State Conclave (April 21, 2022, Nairobi), the Extraordinary Summit of East African Presidents (Bujumbura, February 4, 2023), and the decisions of the Chief of Defence Forces (February 9, 2023, Nairobi).
