The Commander of land forces of the UPDF has
attributed the army’s success on peace missions to discipline and promotions
and appointments based on merit.
Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga made the remarks today while
officiating at the flagging off of the Ugandan contingent under the East
African Community Regional Force (EACRF) at Bunagana Border.
Uganda is sending a 5,000 strong force to North Kivu
in Eastern DRC under the East African Community force to witness the peace
process in Eastern DRC, according to Muhanga.
He noted that the Ugandan contingent is not going to
attack anybody in the country, but to implement the resolutions of the Heads of
State of the East African Community.
Gen Muhanga said that the UPDF is non-tribalistic
unlike past armies where officers were promoted and appointed based on tribe.
The Contingent Commander, Col Michael Walaka Hyeroba
appealed for support from the local leadership and citizens of both Uganda and
DRC for a successful mission.
He also highlighted the need for disciplined among the
troops, saying that a good relationship with the civilians is ideal for peace
and stability in the region.
In his remarks, the Kisoro RDC Hajj Shaffiq Sekandi
regretted the stunted cross border trade at Bunagana, which has left many
traders out of work.
The Ugandan contingent is expected to boost the
already on ground forces from Kenya and Burundi under the East African
Community Regional Force.
The troops will cross into DRC at Bunagana border
tomorrow, after a short function at Bunagana that will be presided over by the
Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Wilson Mbasu Mbadi. The function is expected to be
attended by officials from the East African Community Regional Force, the DRC
army and representatives of the M23 Movement.
Lt Gen Muhanga explained that the contingent did not
enter DRC today because some of their troops and equipment had not yet arrived.
