The Uganda People’s Defence Force has expressed readiness to deploy troops in the East African Community regional force that has begun deploying in the neighboring eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where there is renewed fighting.
The regional bloc has signaled that military action in the DRC will be the last resort amid renewed fighting between the Congolese army and the rebel group, M23.
Thousands of Congolese have fled to Uganda to escape fighting in North Kivu, Rutshuru area.
Speaking on the KFM Hotseat on Monday evening, UPDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye said the Ugandan army is more than ready and only awaits a green light to deploy in the volatile DRC.
“Absolutely, we are more than ready. Our contingent has a command structure and is equipped. We are just waiting for the word go,” said Brig. Gen. Kulayigye.
In September this year, the East African Community (EAC) and the Democratic Republic of Congo signed an agreement for the deployment of an EAC joint regional force in the bloc’s new member following the instability that has been ongoing for over two decades.
