Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga, the head of operation against the ADF
The spokesperson of the UPDF Mountain Division Maj. Peter Mugisa has said that the recent capture of Kambi Ya Yua, a much-revered base for the Allied Democratic Forces-ADF, is a milestone in the battle against terrorism in the region.
Kambi Ya Yua, a stronghold of the ADF group, which covers eight acres of Virunga Forest Land, is estimated to have been accommodating over 600 ADF top members and their families. The camp was captured by the Uganda Peoples Defence Forces-UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo-FARDC during operations conducted on Friday.
According to Mugisa, the camp was used by the ADF to launch terror attacks against both Ugandans and DRC nationals. Major Mugisa says the camp was a host to military training and Islamic radicalization activities as evidenced by the literature found.
He adds that UPDF has also discovered bomb-making materials, 129 live rounds of PK machine gun loaded in their chain, 155 live rounds of Submachine gun ammunition, three solar panels and enemy strength registers, among other items.
According to the UPDF, The structures in the camp were well built with locally made fences; with many cleared under tree shades as seating areas, suggesting that it was likely to be a Command Post of a high ranking rebel leader. The army added that its engineers are working around the clock searching for possible improvised explosives, bunkers and to acquire more clues about the terrorists.
Lt Col Mbayo Katuta, the FARDC Assault Brigade Commander, who is commanding the ground forces in the jungles of Virunga forest said “We want to put ADF and other bandits on tenterhooks, with no breathing space, always on the run, block their supply chains. They will die of hunger in the forest. Soon you will see many surrendering when the situation gets unbearable.”
Lt Col Katuta says the ADF is left with two options; to surrender or prepare to die adding that taking over their strongest position has given them much confidence.
The joint operations for the eradication of Allied Democratic Forces in Central African province, started three weeks ago when the combined UPDF Air Force and artillery shelled Kambi Ya Yua, Tondoli, Belu1 and Belu2 which are found in North Kivu province in Virunga and Ituri impenetrable forests of Eastern DRC.
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