The UPDF has started withdrawing from the Central Africa Republic where it has been part of the African Union Regional Task Force since 2012.
According to UPDF Spokesperson, Brig. Richard Karemire, the first batch has been received today April 19th in Gulu by the Chief of Staff Land Forces (COS-LF) Brig Katsigazi Tumusiime and 4th Division Commander Brig Emmanuel Kanyesigye.
He said the decision to withdraw was premised on the realization that the mission to neutralize the LRA has now been successfully achieved.
“The LRA capacity and means of making war against Uganda have been degraded. Senior Key Commanders such as; Dominic Ongwen, Okot Odyambo and other fighters have over the years been killed, captured or surrendered,” Karemire said.
“Those who surrendered have been reintegrated into their societies of origin. Joseph Kony with less than 100 armed fighters is now weak and ineffective. He no longer poses any significant threat to Uganda’s security and Northern Uganda in particular,” he added.
The UPDF operations have contributed significantly to the restoration of peace and tranquility in big areas of the Central Africa Republic where LRA rebels were wreaking havoc.
This won them admiration from the people exemplified by the 16th April 2017 demonstration by civilians in Obbo town calling upon the forces to stay.
Forthwith, the future for stability in CAR will solely rely on the shoulders of its Government.
“The UPDF as a Pan Africanist force remains ready to support the capacity building of the Armed Forces of Central Africa (FACA) for counter LRA operations and 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,” noted Karemire.