UPDF to shift troops from Lubero, to pursue ADF remnants in Eastern DRC

Kampala, Uganda:- The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has revealed it is considering withdrawing its troops from Lubero town in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as part of a strategic shift in its operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

The acting UPDF Spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi, revealed March 30, that discussions are ongoing among commanders regarding the evolving dynamics of Operation Shujaa, the joint military offensive against the ADF insurgents in eastern DRC.

“As beleaguered ADF remnants continue to take flight to DRC’s North Kivu and Ituri province regions because of pressure by the UPDF-FARDC joint forces, operational focus could switch to those regions to ensure the ADF is afforded no opportunity to regroup,” Col. Magezi said in a statement on Sunday morning.

He added that a final decision on the UPDF’s next move will be made in the coming days.

“Discussions by commanders about the pivot to address emerging dynamics in Operation Shujaa are ongoing, and a final decision is expected to be taken in the coming days,” he explained.

The UPDF was deployed in eastern DRC in November 2021 under Operation Shujaa, a joint offensive launched in collaboration with the Congolese army (FARDC). The mission aimed to neutralize the ADF, a notorious rebel group responsible for cross-border attacks in Uganda and mass killings of civilians in the DRC.

Since its deployment, the UPDF has targeted key ADF strongholds in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, forcing many of its fighters to retreat deeper into the jungle. As a result, the joint forces have been adjusting their strategy to ensure the insurgents do not regroup.

Strategic Shift to North Kivu

With ADF fighters now fleeing to North Kivu and Ituri, the UPDF is evaluating the need to reinforce its blocking forces in Bunia, Mahagi, and Fataki, which were deployed earlier this year.

“The huge operational area will require additional forces to be dominated effectively,” Col. Magezi stated, highlighting the logistical and tactical challenges of securing such vast and rugged terrain.

While Uganda’s military presence in DRC has been largely welcomed by Kinshasa, previous deployments have drawn mixed reactions, with some Congolese groups calling for their withdrawal. However, UPDF commanders remain committed to eliminating the ADF threat and restoring stability in the region.

But security experts argue that the decision to withdraw from Lubero town will enable the UPDF to redeploy its forces to areas where the ADF threat is escalating, ensuring continued pressure on the insurgents.