Two Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers have been killed in the ongoing Operation Shujja in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the army has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the Director of Defence Public Information, said the soldiers lost their lives in an engagement with Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) elements in Apakwang, about 40 kilometres north of Komanda in Mambasa Territory.
He explained that the area, once a stronghold of ADF leader Musa Baluku, had previously been dislodged by the joint UPDF and Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) operations. However, remnants of the group continue to stage counter-attacks.
“The enemy, under sustained pressure from joint UPDF and FARDC operations, has resorted to reprisal attacks in isolated and remotely controlled locations. They also attack isolated villages to intimidate residents and gain publicity,” Maj. Gen. Kulayigye noted.
Despite the setback, he highlighted progress in the ongoing offensive. UPDF–FARDC forces recently launched a successful attack on two ADF groups of 10 to 15 fighters in Chabi, killing three insurgents and recovering three guns.
“Pursuit operations are underway to neutralise another splinter group of 15 to 20 fighters operating around Oicha,” he added.
Maj. Gen. Kulayigye reassured the public that the joint forces remain steadfast in their mission to protect civilians, dismantle ADF networks, and restore lasting peace and stability in eastern DRC.
He also dismissed reports of killings in the Komanda–Eringeti area, clarifying that no such incidents had occurred.
Operation Shujja, launched in late 2021, is a joint military campaign by Uganda and DRC aimed at eliminating the ADF, a rebel outfit blamed for deadly attacks on civilians in both countries.
