Major ADF Base Captured in Congo as UPDF Strikes Hard in Operation Shujaa

Uganda’s army, known as the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has captured an important base belonging to the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in Apakwang, a location in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This success is part of a joint mission called Operation Shujaa, which was started to stop ADF attacks and remove their strong influence in eastern Congo.

The UPDF worked together with the Congolese army in this mission. After many weeks of planning and operations, their forces finally broke through one of the ADF’s main camps. This breakthrough was confirmed on Thursday, 10 July 2025, by Colonel Chris Magezi, who serves as the Military Assistant to Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces.

According to Colonel Magezi, the operation began last Sunday with airstrikes and heavy artillery fire aimed at ADF positions in Apakwang. These strikes were carefully planned to hit the right targets and weaken the enemy’s defenses. Once the area was hit from the air, ground troops moved in and took full control of the camp.

Magezi said that this operation was an important achievement for the military and showed how well the two countries are working together. The camp they captured was not just a place where ADF fighters stayed — it was a key base where they planned attacks, trained new members, and stored weapons and supplies. It may have also been used to plan attacks across borders, possibly even into Uganda.

During the raid, UPDF soldiers found weapons, communication devices, and important documents. These items are now being studied by intelligence officers to learn more about the ADF’s plans, leaders, and future threats. The army believes this information will help stop future attacks and weaken the rebel group even further.

Operation Shujaa was first launched in late 2021 after a series of deadly ADF attacks both in Uganda and inside eastern Congo. Since then, the operation has targeted key ADF locations to reduce their power and stop them from harming civilians. The capture of the Apakwang camp is seen as a major victory and a clear sign that the joint efforts between Uganda and Congo are making real progress.

Officials say the mission is far from over, but this victory gives hope that peace and stability can be restored to the region if the cooperation continues.