In a significant blow to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), the Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Congolese army, FARDC, have successfully killed another ADF commander in the ongoing Operation Shuja in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to the UPDF, the ADF commander known as Lubangakane, who held a senior position under Amigo's camp, was neutralized in Mwalika Valley on Sunday, July 9, 2023. Three ADF fighters accompanying Lubangakane also met their demise in the operation. The UPDF seized two weapons, including a PMK machine gun and an SMG, during the encounter.
The ADF rebels have faced relentless pressure in recent weeks since the attack on Lubiriha Secondary School near the Uganda-DRC border. Operation Shuja, under the overall command of Maj Gen Dick Olum, has made significant strides in degrading the ADF's capabilities.
"Our Makindye battalion forces had a contact early this morning, and Lubangakane, a daring ADF commander, did not survive. We are resolute in our mission to degrade the ADF," stated Maj Gen Olum.
The battle-hardened UPDF general, who relocated his tactical headquarters to Kasindi in North Kivu, confirmed the recovery of ten weapons during the past three weeks, emphasizing the operation's overall success.
Lubangakene's demise adds to the growing list of ADF commanders eliminated by the joint UPDF and FARDC operation. Earlier this year, the UPDF eliminated Seka Wankaba, a Ugandan national and skilled Improvised Explosive Device (IED) expert associated with ADF leader Mularo Seguja's group. Ssegujja, also known as Fezza or Mulalo, another high-profile ADF commander, was also killed by the UPDF.
President Museveni has revealed that the ADF, initially concentrated west of the Rwenzori, has fragmented into smaller groups due to the relentless pressure exerted by the UPDF. The splintered groups are now operating south of the Rwenzori Mountain, along the Kasindi-Beni Road, in the Mwalika Valley, around Biruunga National Park in Congo, and opposite Lake Edward (Rutshuru, Butuumbi).
While the UPDF celebrates these achievements, the whereabouts of the topmost ADF commander, Musa Baluku, remain unknown since the commencement of Operation Shuja two years ago. Initial reports suggested that Baluku had been killed in air and artillery strikes by the UPDF, but no concrete evidence has been provided to confirm this claim. Nevertheless, the UPDF remains determined to track down Baluku and continues to hunt for other key figures, including the commander Arab and the replacement for the deceased Mulaalo, Abua-Kasi.
President Museveni disclosed that a total of 508 ADF combatants have been neutralized since the initiation of Operation Shuja in November 2021. The operation has also led to the recovery of 109 SMGs, five PKMs, and three RPGs, dealing a significant blow to the ADF's weaponry and operational capacity.
As the operation progresses, the UPDF and FARDC remain resolute in their commitment to eliminating the ADF threat and ensuring the safety and security of the region.
