By Our Reporter
In a strategic move, President Museveni has reshuffled key military positions, affecting both the Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa in eastern DR Congo.
Major-General Dick Olum has been replaced by Major-General Richard Otto as the Commander of the Mountain Division. Meanwhile, Olum will now lead the South Sudan Stabilization Mechanism.
The announcement was made by Col Deo Akiiki, the defence and military deputy spokesperson, during a brief media statement on Monday morning.
This decision comes shortly after a meeting between Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) Chief of Defence Forces, Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, and his counterpart from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Gen Christian Tshiwewe Songesha, in the town of Kasindi.
Operation Shujaa, a joint military effort between DR Congo and Uganda, aims to combat the Allied Democratic Front (ADF) rebels who frequently infiltrate Uganda, causing unrest and violence.
Gen Olum, who took over as Operation Shujaa commander in October 2022, brings battle-hardened experience to the frontline. His previous role involved serving as a defence advisor at the Ugandan embassy in Kinshasa.
Operation Shujaa is a joint military effort involving the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
Security Challenges In East Africa
Security challenges in East Africa are multifaceted and impact the region’s stability. Here are some key aspects:
- Internal Conflicts:
- Somalia: Persistent conflict due to Al-Shabaab insurgency, piracy, and political instability.
- South Sudan: Ongoing civil war, ethnic tensions, and humanitarian crises.
- Burundi: Political violence and human rights abuses.
- DRC: Armed groups, resource conflicts, and weak governance.
- Resource Disputes:
- Water Scarcity: Competition over water resources exacerbates tensions.
- Oil and Gas: Disputes over exploration and extraction rights.
- Regional Cooperation:
- The East African Community (EAC) faces challenges balancing expansion with cohesion.
- Strengthening regional mechanisms is crucial for peace and security.
