Ugandans, Congolese assured of peace after UPDF’s entry into Mahagi Town
The DRC remains plagued by the activities of over 100 militias, primarily in its volatile eastern region.
National: Ugandans and Congolese have been assured of peace and security following the deployment of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) soldiers in Mahagi, a town in the Ituri Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), last week.
Festus Ayikobua, the Resident District Commissioner (RDC) of Zombo, a border district in Uganda’s West Nile sub-region, reassured the public, stating, “There is no cause for alarm.”
Speaking on a local radio station on March 5, 2025, Ayikobua explained that the UPDF’s entry into DRC aims to stabilize the region for the peaceful resettlement of returning Congolese refugees. He further emphasized that the deployment aligns with the principles of Pan-Africanism and a bilateral agreement between the leaders of both nations.
On February 3, 2025, Ugandan army spokesperson Felix Kulayigye confirmed that UPDF troops had entered northeastern DRC to counter attacks by local armed groups. He stated that the deployment followed a request from Congolese authorities after alleged massacres of 51 civilians near Mahagi town by the militia group Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO).
“Our troops have entered Mahagi town, and we are in control,” Kulayigye told AFP on Sunday.
Following the UPDF’s deployment, residents in Uganda’s greater Nebbi region including the districts of Pakwach, Nebbi, and Zombo expressed mixed reactions. This prompted RDC Ayikobua to clarify the situation on a local radio broadcast.
“Despite our soldiers entering Congo, I want to assure you that there is no cause for alarm. The situation is peaceful,” Ayikobua stated. “We are there to protect our people in the spirit of Pan-Africanism.”
Mahagi, located in Ituri Province along the Ugandan border, has experienced continued violence. At least 51 people were killed there on February 10 by CODECO fighters, according to humanitarian and local sources.
In 2021, the same rebel group launched an attack on a Ugandan army detach in Zeu, Zombo District, but was repelled by the UPDF, which killed five of the assailants.
The DRC remains plagued by the activities of over 100 militias, primarily in its volatile eastern region.
CODECO claims to defend the interests of the Lendu ethnic group, mainly farmers, against the Hema community, which consists primarily of herders.
The latest UPDF deployment adds to the thousands of Ugandan troops already stationed in parts of Ituri under an agreement with the Congolese government to stabilize the mineral-rich but conflict-ridden eastern DRC.
Last month, Uganda announced that its forces had taken control of the provincial capital, Bunia.
Meanwhile, in January, the M23 rebel group, which opposes the Congolese government, seized the city of Goma, dealing a major blow to Kinshasa’s administration.
Zombo leaders pose for a photo with UPDF officers during a recent belated Tareasita day at Paidha town council.
Do you have an advertisement or article you want to publish? Mail us at theugreports@gmail.com or WhatsApp +256757022363.
