Legislators on Parliament’s Budget Committee have halted the approval of 89.7 Billion Uganda shillings required to fund the operations of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) until the Government presents a statement on their presence in the troubled country before Parliament.
According to Chairperson of Defence Committee Rosemary Nyakikongoro the Ministry of Defence had not briefed them on Operation Shujja.
However, Kiira municipality mp Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda wondered why the Ministry of Defence has suddenly taken interest in discussing the DRC war in Parliament despite MPs’ pleas to Government to brief them on the operation but have been ignored.
The Chairperson of Budget Committee Patrick Isiagi issued a ruling, staying the consideration of the DRC War funds until the ministry of defense justify why they went to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The UPDF launched operation Shuja on 30 November 2021,when they attacked four Allied Democratic Forces-ADF rebel camps of Tondoli, Kambi Yayu, Abia, Belu 1 and Belu 2. Operation Shujaa is commanded by UPDF Mountain Division Commander Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga.
The camps were bombarded by UPDF Air and artillery, completely disrupting the ADF.
According to information on the Ministry of Defence and Veteran Affairs web portal,Operation Shujaa is being implemented following a Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of Uganda and the DRC to conduct joint operations for the eradication of ADF and other foreign armed groups in the eastern part of DRC.
The operations are taking place in Ituri and Grand North Provinces. It is anticipated that restoration of security will enable road construction works on the Kasindi - Beni - Butembo and Bunagana - Rutshuru - Goma highways by the two countries.
