The commander of Land Forces Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga yesterday waved off over 5000 UPDF soldiers who will cross to DR Congo through the Bunagana border in Kisoro district for peace mission in the troubled North Kivu province of Democratic Republic of Congo.
Last year in March there was fierce fighting that erupted between the M23 rebels and the Congolese government forces and the former gained control of the several parts of in Rutshuru territory in the North Kivu , capturing parts of Bunagana and Kitagoma border posts with Uganda in Kisoro District.
In addition the fighting led to more than 70,000 Congolese refugees fleeing in the area to Kisoro for safety though some were relocated in refugee camps in western Uganda.
However local leaders in Kisolo applauded this deployment citing out that peace and cross broader trade will be maintained and appealed to the government for the peace mission deal.
….”We appeal to the government to consider giving food relief to the people living in Bunagana town council and neighbouring sub counties in Kisolo district because all the available food was shared with the fleeing Congolese refugees and we also appeal for financial support since businesses were hilt down after the cross border trade was stopped,” Mr Nikwegye said.
The chair person of Kisoro district Mr Abel Bizimana added that he was excited about the UPDF soldiers being flagged off to witness a peace process in the troubled DR Congo.
Over 620 acres of land at Kabaya public land was allocated to the UPDF to plan for peace keeping mission.
However Col Michael Walaka Hyeroba cautioned the soldiers about their responsibilities especially observing maximum discipline and the rules of engagement.
“We appeal for support from the local residents in both countries so that our mission can be successful. Our forces are well trained and are ready for the mission,” said Col Hyeroba.
