KAMPALA, UGANDA | Uganda and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have agreed to strengthen joint security operations on their shared Lake Edward after a deadly attack by suspected Congolese militia.
Kiconco Tabaro, spokesperson for the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Second Division, said the commanders of the UPDF and the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) met at Kasindi Port in eastern DRC’s Beni territory to improve coordination of marine forces and security measures along the lake.
“The delegations agreed on several measures to enhance cooperation, including joint patrols on Lake Edward, regular security and fisheries coordination meetings, and sensitization of fishing communities along the shores,” Tabaro said.
The meeting, attended by UPDF Mountain Division Commander Stephen Mugerwa, UPDF Second Infantry Division Deputy Commander James Kasule, and FARDC Northern Front-Kivu Commander Joseph Mugisa Muleka, followed an October 1 attack at Rweshama Landing Site in Uganda’s Rukungiri District. Armed assailants killed the commander of a Ugandan response team and robbed local fishermen.
Mugerwa called for structured collaboration, including the creation of a permanent committee to coordinate activities between the two forces. “Marine commanders should meet regularly. There is a need for a committee that will always convene to resolve issues and strengthen our cooperation,” he said.
During the meeting, Mugerwa handed over five submachine guns, two light machine guns, 17 loaded magazines, and two boxes of ammunition recovered from the attackers to FARDC officials.
The discussions come as Uganda and the DRC continue their joint “Operation Shujaa” against Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, a mission launched in November 2021.