The Allied Democratic Forces — a Ugandan-origin Islamist group now affiliated with Islamic State (ISCAP) — operate across the Uganda–DR Congo border in the Rwenzori region and North Kivu. Once focused on toppling Kampala, the ADF now stages mass-casualty attacks on civilians in eastern Congo, prompting the joint Ugandan–Congolese Operation Shujaa since 2021.
ongoing
The ADF/ISCAP insurgency remains active with regular attacks on civilian and military targets in both Uganda and DRC. The group conducts suicide bombings, ambushes, and raids primarily in western Uganda and eastern DRC. Despite military operations by Uganda People's Defence Force (UPDF) and Democratic Republic of Congo Armed Forces (FARDC), the insurgents maintain operational capacity and territorial control in remote border regions. The conflict has intensified since 2021, with notable attacks in Kampala and surrounding areas.
The Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) emerged in Uganda in the 1990s as an insurgent group opposing the Museveni government. Originally based in Uganda, the group relocated to eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) around 1999, establishing bases in the Rwenzori Mountains along the Uganda-DRC border. In 2019, ADF pledged allegiance to ISIS, becoming ISIS-Central Africa Province (ISCAP). The group has since conducted cross-border attacks into Uganda while maintaining strongholds in DRC's North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
The conflict has caused significant humanitarian suffering including mass displacement, civilian casualties, and restrictions on movement. Tens of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) face inadequate shelter, healthcare, and food security. Sexual violence is used as a weapon of war. Limited humanitarian access in conflict zones exacerbates the crisis. Healthcare infrastructure is damaged, and disease outbreaks are common in displacement camps.
The insurgency is likely to persist in the medium term despite military pressures. Limited border cooperation between Uganda and DRC reduces operational effectiveness. Recruitment from marginalized communities and radicalization remain challenges. Potential for expansion of ISCAP activities across the region exists. Long-term resolution requires addressing underlying grievances, improving governance, and sustained regional security cooperation.
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