EAC military chiefs meet in Uganda over ADF rebels

President Museveni (R) greets one of officers who attended the meeting.

What you need to know:

The ADF is also reported to be in alliance with elements of Al-shabab as well as the ISIS, according to a statement by the UPDF deputy spokesperson, Lt Col Deo Akiiki

Uganda deployed its officers in 2016 when the centre was opened under the auspices of the International Conference on Great Lakes Region

President Yoweri Museveni in his capacity as Chairman of the East African Community has met the Chiefs of Defence Forces (CDFs) and Military Intelligence (CMIs) officials from the six East African Community (EAC) partner states.

CDFs and CMIs from the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa also attended the Sunday meeting.

The military chiefs were invited to Uganda by the country’s CDF, Gen David Muhoozi.

The meeting which took place at State House Entebbe, reviewed the security situation in the region with special focus on insurgents of the Allied Democratic Forces who operate mainly in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Sometimes, the rebels attack civilians in Uganda and other neighbouring countries.

During the meeting, the army commanders agreed that the ADF is a threat to the region and therefore; requires a coordinated regional approach to tackle it.

The ADF is also reported to be in alliance with elements of Al-shabab as well as the ISIS, according to a statement by the UPDF deputy spokesperson, Lt Col Deo Akiiki.

The defence chiefs, therefore, commended current efforts by the Congolese Armed Forces supported by MONUSCO and UPDF to wipe out the terrorists in eastern DR Congo adding that the
offensive should be supported and sustained.

The meeting further urged countries that have not deployed their officers to the Joint Follow up Mechanism in Kasese, to do so without deĺay.

Such deployment, according to the military chiefs, would enhance the exchange of Intelligence.
Uganda deployed its officers in 2016 when the centre was opened under the auspices of the International Conference on Great Lakes Region.

The meeting recognised the necessity to bilaterally and multilaterally engage and build a secure environment conducive for the socio-economic development in the region.

The meeting was also attended by senior UPDF commanders among other security officials.

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Tanks and armoured vehicles were also deployed as heavy and light weapons fire could be heard

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