The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has secured Nioka and Fataki in Ituri, Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bringing relief to the civilian population that had fled to the bush to escape attacks by the CODECO rebel group.
The civilian population has now begun returning to their homes.
Footage from highly placed military sources, shows women, children, and other civilians making their way back home.
The rebel group, known as the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO), has been a source of violence in the region.
Recently, the Chief of Defence Forces of the UPDF, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, vowed to hunt down CODECO rebels until the population is free from their brutal attacks.
“I have said it before, our enemies in DRC are ADF and CODECO! We shall hunt them until the end of time!! CODECO is still killing our people in Djugu, Fataki, and Mahagi. We are going to capture all these areas and rescue our populations very soon,” Gen. Kainerugaba said in a post on his X account.
The current progress is a result of last month’s deployment of UPDF troops to Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province.
The arrival of UPDF forces was marked by seamless cooperation between the UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
Footage circulated online showed civilians chanting slogans in support of the UPDF’s arrival, expressing hope for lasting peace in the region.
Through Operation Shujaa, the UPDF continues to support the Congolese army (FARDC) in its fight against Islamist militants in eastern DRC, a region that has been plagued by conflict for over 30 years.
About CODECO Rebels
CODECO is an armed group that has carried out attacks in the DRC’s Ituri Province.
The group is primarily composed of members from the Lendu ethnic group, a predominantly farming community that has historically clashed with the Hema, a community of traders and herders.
It is worth noting that in 2020, CODECO rebels grew bold enough to cross into Uganda and attack a UPDF detachment in Zombo.
Their methods of attack are notoriously brutal, including beheadings and mutilations.
