The UPDF has crossed into Mahagi to confront CODECO and ADF following a deadly CODECO massacre that left many civilians dead. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has vowed to eliminate CODECO, urging its fighters to surrender. The UPDF is now securing strategic positions in preparation for further offensives in the DRC, asserting ambitions to dominate the border region while seeking to stabilize ongoing violence against civilians.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have initiated operations within Mahagi, located in northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), targeting both the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This military action is a direct response to a recent massacre attributed to CODECO, which resulted in significant civilian casualties in February 2025, prompting urgent appeals for intervention.
In the aftermath of the February massacre in Djugu, which claimed at least 52 lives, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, expressed a firm commitment to dismantling CODECO. General Kainerugaba emphasized the necessity for CODECO fighters to surrender or face dire consequences, signaling a willingness to undertake aggressive military action.
The UPDF has commenced securing strategic locations in Mahagi, positioning themselves for further offensives aimed at Djugu and Fataki, where CODECO continues to perpetrate violence against civilians. Despite efforts from the Congolese army (FARDC), CODECO has managed to conduct numerous attacks, resulting in extensive civilian suffering since it claims to protect the Lendu ethnic group.
General Kainerugaba has articulated Uganda’s ambitions in eastern DRC, asserting that the UPDF intends to establish a comprehensive military presence along the DRC border. He delineated the regions of influence, indicating that Uganda seeks to maintain control over the northern border area while asserting that Rwanda’s influence is limited to areas further south.
As the UPDF consolidates its presence in Mahagi, further confrontations with CODECO in Djugu and Fataki are anticipated. General Kainerugaba has appealed to the Ugandan populace to support the active military efforts and to pray for the safety of their troops engaged in these operations.
The UPDF’s recent military escalation in the DRC signifies a critical turn in their strategy against CODECO and ADF. Following a brutal massacre, Uganda’s forces are strategically advancing to secure and stabilize the region. General Kainerugaba’s declarations highlight both the urgency of the response and the commitment to a sustained military presence aimed at reestablishing peace and order along the border. As the situation unfolds, the developments in Mahagi may have profound implications for regional security and dynamics, reinforcing the necessity for collaborative efforts among neighboring nations.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
