UPDF has started withdrawing from the Central African Republic

The Ugandan army has started withdrawing from the Central African Republic but says it is ready to support the capacity building of the Armed Forces of Central Africa

In a press release the UPDF Spokesperson Brigadier Richard Karemire said the first batch of soldiers was received today in Gulu by the Chief of Staff Land Forces (COS-LF) Brig Katsigazi Tumusiime and 4Div Commander Brig Emmanuel Kanyesigye.

The army says the withdrawal is mainly because they have successfully neutralised the Lord’s Resistance Army.

The UPDF has since 2012 been part of the African Union Regional Task Force.

The first batch has been received today 19^th April 2017 in Gulu by the Chief of Staff Land Forces (COS-LF) Brig Katsigazi Tumusiime and 4Div Commander Brig Emmanuel Kanyesigye.

The army says The LRA capacity and means of making war against Uganda have been degraded citing Senior Key Commanders such as; Dominic Ongwen, Okot Odiambo and other fighters who have over the years been killed, captured or surrendered, rendering their leader Joseph Kony weak and ineffective.

He no longer poses any significant threat to Uganda’s security and Northern Uganda in particular.

The UPDF operations have contributed significantly to the restoration of peace and tranquillity in big areas of the Central Africa Republic (CAR).  This won them admiration from the people exemplified by the 16^th April 2017 demonstration by civilians in Obbo town calling upon the forces to stay.

However, Uganda may also join the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) under a strengthened mandate to effectively deal with LRA as one way of supporting the country.

Written by David Kugonza