UPDF, FARDC seize weapons and rescue hostages in Operation Shujaa
The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have made significant strides against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)in a joint operation codenamed ‘Operation Shujaa’ said by Major General Dick Olum, the commander of UPDF’s Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa.
According to Major General Dick Olum, the commander of the UPDF’s Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, on Wednesday, August 16, 2023, the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) have made significant progress against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
The operation, which began on the 30th of November 2021, has so far resulted in the recovery of 9,500 rounds of ammunition from the rebel group.
Major General Dick Olum, the commander of UPDF’s Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, has disclosed that the operation has severely degraded ADF’s war capabilities. “The ADF will soon get into the books of the past. We have reduced their capacity to cause war, we have depleted their manpower, their weaponry and their morale is at the lowest,” stated Maj Gen Olum.
Maj Gen Olum made these remarks while exhibiting the captured weaponry and equipment at the UPDF Mountain Division Headquarters, Muhooti Barracks Fort Portal.
In addition to the ammunition, 548 ADF terrorists have been rendered inactive, with 50 captured alive and 31 surrendering to the joint forces due to intense pressure.
The joint operation has also led to the recovery of 151 weapons from the enemy, comprising 142 submachine guns (SMG), 8 PMK machine guns, and a 60 millimetres mortar. The forces have also seized 111 military radios, 45 radio charger ports, and 10 batteries from the ADF.
The operation has been successful in rescuing 156 individuals, including women and children, many of whom were in poor health. They are currently receiving medical care from the various health facilities of the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.
However, Maj Gen Olum clarified that these figures do not include the weapons and equipment in FARDC’s possession. “The figures are only inclusive of what we have recorded, and we have in our custody as UPDF. FARDC has weapons and equipment captured from ADF and are in DRC, so the figures could be double what we have just given you,” he explained.
Furthermore, he added, “For those ADF put out of action, we only count the dead bodies. those we fight with and ran in the wild and die from there are excluded. Therefore, each figure could be double what we have as UPDF.”
