Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, arrived in Kinshasa on Friday 20, 2026 for high-level security talks with his Congolese counterpart, Lt. Gen Jules Banza Mwilambwe, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC) .
During their closed-door meeting, both generals reviewed the progress of Operation Shujaa—the joint UPDF–FARDC offensive launched in 2021 against the Allied Democratic Front (ADF) rebel group. They praised the campaign’s success in degrading rebel capabilities, reducing attacks, and enabling the return of displaced communities in North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Gen Muhoozi commented that “our cooperation through Operation Shujaa has delivered tangible results,” noting improved security on both sides of the border
Gen Banza echoed this praise, calling the partnership “key in restoring hope to communities affected by terrorism and armed violence”
The meeting culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), pledging expanded cooperation on joint military operations, intelligence sharing, and capacity building.
Accompanying Gen Muhoozi were Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces, and senior UPDF officials. The FARDC delegation included their Deputy Chief of General Staff and senior officers.
This initiative marks a substantial strengthening of Uganda–DRC defence ties and affirms both nations’ commitment to regional stability. The agreement also integrates security coordination with infrastructure development, reviewing efforts along key road corridors such as Kasindi–Beni and Bunagana–Rutshuru–Goma
Analysts view the MoU as a continuation of Uganda’s proactive regional military diplomacy, initiated by Gen Muhoozi’s appointment as CDF in March 2024, and part of broader efforts to position Uganda as a pivotal security partner in the Great Lakes region.
As eastern DRC remains host to over 120 armed groups, the strengthened bilateral framework is expected to enhance operational coordination against insurgents and foster long-term regional peace.
