The UPDF has initiated military operations in Mahagi, DRC, targeting CODECO militia following a significant massacre in Djugu. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has vowed to annihilate CODECO forces, emphasizing a strategic territorial control over eastern DRC. This move marks a notable escalation in Uganda’s military presence and operations against armed groups in the region.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have entered Mahagi in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to confront the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This military initiative stems from a CODECO massacre in February 2025, which resulted in at least 52 fatalities in Djugu, Ituri Province, instigating urgent calls for action against these armed groups.
In February, CODECO militants executed a raid on three villages in Djugu, where they killed civilians and incinerated approximately 30 homes. Civil society reports cite a death toll of 52, with eight additional injuries, while other local narratives suggest the number may be as high as 80. This incident has intensified pressure for the UPDF to intervene militarily.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, declared a war against CODECO, urging its fighters to surrender or risk complete annihilation. He utilized social media platform X, formerly Twitter, to express his intentions: “We shall hunt them until the end of time!! CODECO is still killing our people in Djugu, Fataki, and Mahagi.” He further warned that their forces would rescue populations in those areas shortly.
Following his declaration, UPDF forces advanced into Mahagi, marking a substantial escalation of military actions in the region. Military reports indicate that UPDF troops are securing strategic locations in Mahagi, preparing for further campaigns toward Djugu and Fataki, where CODECO remains a persistent threat to civilian safety.
The Congolese Army (FARDC) has struggled to counter CODECO, which has been responsible for hundreds of civilian deaths since 2014 under the guise of protecting the Lendu community from the Hema. CODECO’s recent activities have led to brutal assaults in displaced persons camps and targeted ethnic violence, displacing thousands in Ituri province.
In addition to military operations, Kainerugaba outlined Uganda’s aspirations for strategic dominance in eastern DRC, stating that the UPDF aims to seize control of the border region extending north from Lubero. He asserted, “That is our sphere of influence. NOTHING will happen there without our permission.” This highlights Uganda’s commitment to establishing a long-term military presence in the DRC to secure the region from insurgencies.
As the UPDF fortifies its position in Mahagi, upcoming operations are anticipated to involve direct clashes with CODECO in Djugu and Fataki. Kainerugaba appealed to Ugandans for their support and prayers for the troops, emphasizing the importance of community backing as conflicts escalate in the region.
The UPDF’s incursion into Mahagi represents a significant military commitment to combat the CODECO militia and ADF in the DRC. With escalating violence prompting action and General Kainerugaba’s call to arms, Uganda aims not only to eliminate these threats but also to establish a strategic foothold in the region. This ongoing military engagement will likely reshape security dynamics in the Great Lakes region.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
