UPDF Contingent in DRC gets Deputy Commander

The UPDF contingent under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has welcomed Lt Col Frank Tumwesigye as its new Deputy Commander.

Lt Col Tumwesigye was welcomed at a function held this Saturday at the UPDF EACRF headquarters located in Niongera, Kiwanja of Rutshuru territory in the restive North Kivu.

The Contingent Commander, Col Michael Walaka Hyeroba welcomed his deputy and called for teamwork amongst the troops.

“As UGACON’s family, I urge you all to cooperate with my deputy so that we work together as a team so as to achieve our mandate as required of EACRF,” said Col Hyeroba.

Lt Col Frank Tumwesigye thanked the UPDF leadership for the new deployment under EACRF and promised to work closely with the entire EACRF forces in the fulfillment of the force’s mandate.

A statement shared to www.vomuhabura.com by the Contingent Spokesman, Cap. Kato Ahmed Hassan indicates that Lt Col Tumwesigye assumes office as the UGACON deputy contingent commander replacing Lt Col Henry Kakuru Tukwasibwe.

The statement added: “The Uganda contingent together with the EACRF remains committed to the fulfillment of its mandate and to ensure the safety of the civilians and humanitarian aid workers.”

The Ugandan army was in March deployed under the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF) as a peacekeeping force in DRC.

Since the deployment, the Ugandan troops have provided several services to Congolese including constructing houses to the neediest, repairing water sources, planting trees, helping in the fight against Cholera as well as the search and disposal of unexploded weaponry in Eastern DRC.

The troops have since taken over positions like Bunagana, Mabenga and Kiwanja, previously held and vacated by the M23 rebels.

The Ugandan contingent is deployed alongside troops from Kenya, Burundi and South Sudan, which hold respective positions in North Kivu.