UPDF, FARDC Generals oversee Ground Breaking Ceremony for Construction of Kasindi-Beni-Butembo Road

The Generals commanding Operation Shujaa in DRC; Maj Gen Bombelle Camille Ehola (FARDC) and Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga (UPDF) have Thursday officially launched the construction of the 125km Kasindi-Beni-Butembo Road.

The ceremony which took place at the Mpondwe-Lubiriha border post was attended by hundreds of people from the two sister countries.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Muhindi Eliphaze Bukombi the Kasese LCV Chairman applauded the two heads of states (DRC and Uganda) for being visionary on trans-border infrastructural development which he said will transform and uplift the wellbeing of the people of the two countries.

“The construction of this infrastructure you are seeing today is going to uplift the economic wellbeing of our people not only in trade but also cement the cordial relationship between the two countries,” Muhindi said.

He added that the joint forces working together to eliminate ADF, have brought enormous confidence to the population that peace and security will be achieved.

“Aware that peace and security is the cornerstone for meaningful development, we thank the two Presidents for being visionary; for they realized that although we are separated by the boundaries we need to coexist. People of Kasese are the primary beneficiaries of this project through employment, rental services and buying or selling of products. It is, therefore, our cardinal duty to see security prevails in our region,” he emphasized.

In his speech, Maj Gen Bombelle Camille Ehola also thanked the two Presidents for appointing the two Generals to command Operation Shujaa forces, arguing that the joint forces are working together, sharing the available resources and fighting the enemy of peace together. “Our cordial relationship in fighting the enemy is being shown in the results of operation Shujaa,” said Gen Ehola.

“This is also reflected amongst our soldiers who are eating, sleeping and fighting together. Am confident that with this relationship, enemies of peace will be wiped out in this region. I send profound appreciation from the people of Congo who have started realizing peace in their places as a result of the Joint Operation.”

He also said that in Kommanda and Eringeti, people are longing to see Gen Kayanja Muhanga because of what he has done in fighting ADF.”

Gen Ehola said that the purpose of the day’s occasion was to implement what the two presidents agreed upon; the construction of the roads and that the joint forces were ready to execute the task to its successful end.

“I would like to remind you that the two Presidents gave us the task of guarding this project. Our forces are ready to implement the task and we have mobilized the population along the roads that in case they see the enemy around they should immediately inform us for action,” said Gen Ehola.

While presenting documents endorsed by the two presidents to Customs officials and the contractor DOTT Services Limited, the General cautioned immigration and customs officials not to hinder the free movement of machinery, human resource and goods meant for the project. He, however, warned business people and traders not to use the same documents or the generals’ names to evade taxes.

On his part, Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga remarked that the road project is important for they are regarded as security roads as well as a National Strategic End State of creating a peaceful environment for the people to carry out business unfettered.

“We are also jointly constructing other roads like Nobili – Mukakati – River Semulik and Burasi – Boga roads and after the Bunagana-Rutchuru – Goma Road will be protected and tarmacked,” said Gen Muhanga.

 “Our strong brotherly relationship with FARDC is unmatched. We are doing everything together. Gen Bombelle and I are as parents, if one child misbehaves, we get a stick and discipline him,” he added while referring to the Junior commanders who are brought to order in case there are misunderstandings or mistakes.

He further told the guests that Phase one of the operation was to dislodge and destroy the enemy camps of Tondoli, Abia one and two, Kambi Ya Yua, Chua and others and in Phase two the troops are to dominate all other camps.

“The enemy is on the run scattered in smaller groups but, ultimately we shall find them,” Maj Gen Kayanja Muhanga promised.