By Akiki Abbo, reporter
Kampala, Uganda – The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have sent 5,000 soldiers to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to help bring peace to the troubled North Kivu province.
The move was announced on Wednesday by the Commander of Land Forces, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga.
The soldiers were flagged off from Kisoro District and will cross into the DRC via the Bunagana border. The UPDF troops will join other regional forces already operating in the area under the United Nations’ mission, MONUSCO.
The North Kivu province has been plagued by conflict and violence for decades, with armed groups, militias, and other factions fighting for control of the region’s resources. The situation has caused widespread displacement, humanitarian suffering, and instability in the region.
The deployment of UPDF troops is part of efforts to restore peace and security in the DRC and is expected to provide a much-needed boost to existing peacekeeping efforts. The UPDF has previously contributed troops to peacekeeping missions in other conflict zones, including Somalia and South Sudan.
Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga expressed confidence in the ability of the UPDF troops to bring about positive change in the DRC. He stated that the soldiers had undergone extensive training and were well-equipped to handle the challenges of the mission.
The deployment of UPDF troops to the DRC has been met with mixed reactions, with some expressing concerns about the potential for further escalation of the conflict.
However, supporters of the move believe that it is a necessary step towards achieving lasting peace in the region.
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