Uganda, Jan. 8 -- The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) has deployed its troops along the Uganda-Congo border in Kanungu District as the M23 rebels' relentless advance towards the Ishasha border continues.

Lt Col Robert Nahamya, the commander of the 307 Brigade, on Thursday confirmed the deployment, saying it is intended to shield Ugandans who are a part of the border communities from the armed conflict's spillover effects. The 307 Brigade is deployed in the western districts of Kanungu and Rukungiri.

Lt Col Nahamya told Sunday Monitor that "the UPDF has deployed its forces to protect [Ugandans staying along the border] and their properties" as well as "ensuring that the international boundary remains safe despite the armed conflict...