By THE INDEPENDENT UG
KAMPALA | Xinhua | The Ugandan military announced on Monday that it is on high alert and closely monitoring the unstable situation in the eastern part of the neighboring Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
According to Maj. Bilal Katamba, the spokesperson of the Mountain Division of the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF), the entire border is under surveillance due to intense fighting between DRC troops and M23 rebels. In a phone interview with Xinhua, Katamba emphasized the need for heightened vigilance, stating, “Whenever there is a problem in the neighborhood, we also become more alert. We just can’t sit back.”
Additionally, Katamba, who also represents Operation Shujaa—a UPDF mission targeting Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in eastern DRC—revealed that the army is on high alert considering the recent incursions of ADF rebels into Uganda, resulting in significant disruptions. He remarked, “We have issues already with the ADF. Our alertness has been at the top. Remember how they infiltrated and hurt our people.”
Expressing concern over the influx of refugees from the DRC into Uganda, Katamba emphasized the necessity for rigorous screening to prevent the entry of ADF rebels. He stated, “When you are expecting refugees, it means that bad people can use the opportunity to come in. So all the security agencies are on full alert.”
In summary, the Ugandan military is actively monitoring the situation in the eastern DRC, particularly focusing on the border and remaining on high alert due to both the conflict between DRC troops and M23 rebels and the increased activities of ADF rebels, necessitating careful screening of incoming refugees.