UPDF Captures Rice, Beans &Cassava Gardens From Fleeing ADF Rebels

Ituri Province, DRC — In a significant milestone under Operation Shujaa, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have not only captured a key Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) stronghold in Apakwang, Ituri Province, but also taken control of large agricultural fields previously sustaining the rebel group.

The massive camp, believed to have housed between 1,000 to 1,500 ADF fighters and their families, was overrun by UPDF ground forces on Thursday, 10th July 2025, following heavy air and artillery bombardment launched on Sunday.

Among the spoils of the operation were expansive gardens of rice, beans, and cassava—crops that intelligence sources say the ADF relied on for long-term sustenance in the jungle.

Military officials have described the seizure of these farmlands as a major logistical blow to the terrorist outfit, further weakening their ability to regroup and resist ongoing operations.

“This operation dealt a severe blow to the ADF’s survival infrastructure. Their key food supply has been dismantled,” said Colonel Chris Magezi, Military Assistant to the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).

He credited the success to the continued cooperation between the UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC), calling it a testament to growing regional unity against terrorism.

Pursuit operations are still underway as UPDF forces track down fleeing ADF fighters deep into the forested regions of eastern Congo.