Joint forces of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) under Operation Shujaa have intensified operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, striking a rebel camp west of River Epulu and recovering a significant cache of weapons and bomb-making materials.
The joint forces seized weapons, improvised explosive devices, a milling machine, and assorted equipment used in sustaining insurgent operations. Several ADF fighters were killed during the assault, while others escaped with injuries as security forces maintained pressure on the retreating rebels.
The operation is being coordinated by the Overall Commander of Operation Shujaa, Maj Gen Stephen Mugerwa, who has been working closely with frontline units and has pledged sustained military pressure until the insurgents are fully neutralised.
During the offensive, twelve captives were rescued around Ofayee near the Ndimo area. The former captives reported harsh conditions in captivity, including forced labour and physical abuse.
Security forces continue to track remnants of the rebel group that fled from the River Epulu camp, which military officials described as one of the ADF’s key strongholds. Authorities said the operation caught the rebels by surprise, disrupting their logistical and operational networks.
Operation Shujaa is a joint cross-border military campaign launched in November 2021 between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo to eliminate ADF insurgent cells operating in the Kivu and Ituri regions.
