Zombo UPDF Attack Led by Congolese Criminal Elements -Army

By Fred Kiva

The attack on UPDF Zombo Detach on Friday was planned by Congolese elements in search of guns for criminal activities in the Eastern part of DRC.

In a statement regarding the Friday night attack, Defence Deputy Spokesperson Lt Col Deo Akiiki identified some of the ringleaders that included Congolese elements recently granted amnesty by the Ugandan government. These together with a UPDF veteran, Corporal Bosco Tonifa mobilized a group of Ugandan civilians numbering about 80, armed them with bows, arrows, Pangas and spears to conduct the attack which left three UPDF soldiers hacked to death.

17 of the attackers were killed and 26 more captured with bullet injuries and are now in the hands of military investigators. “Many more are being arrested by civilians in Konga,Jangukuru, Awasi, Ageri, Konga Kona, Angweni and Adhosi,” Lt Col Akiiki said. He added: “Our forces in collaboration with the Congolese forces and authorities are still pursuing those that went to Congo. Some have already been arrested.”

The army also downplays media reports that the attackers were trained from Kiryandongo forest in Kiryandongo district. "The claim in the story in New vision of March 9, 2020 on page 4 that the people were trained in Kiryandongo forest is unauthentic. Investigations are ongoing to establish more facts about the matter," the Deputy Army Spokesperson said.

He added: “UPDF will continue with the operation to ensure that the group is wiped out and the leaders both in Uganda and Congo are brought to book. We have increased our boarder operations across the entire frontier with DRC and call upon the wanainch to continue working with the security forces to keep our boarders and our people safe and secure.”

He meanwhile assured the people that Zombo is now safe and secure.