UPDF Launches Military Campaign in Mahagi Against CODECO Militia

The UPDF has commenced military actions in Mahagi, DRC, targeting CODECO and ADF in direct response to a February massacre that killed at least 52 people. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has called for the annihilation of CODECO and urged fighters to surrender. Uganda aims to secure the DRC border region, signaling a significant escalation in military operations against insurgent threats.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have made a significant move by entering Mahagi, located in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), targeting the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This military action follows a brutal massacre conducted by CODECO in February 2025, which resulted in the deaths of at least 52 individuals in Djugu, Ituri Province, and prompted urgent calls for intervention against the violent group.

During the tragic incident, CODECO fighters attacked three villages in Djugu, leading to civilian casualties and the destruction of at least 30 homes. Civil society sources confirmed the death toll at 52, with an additional eight individuals reported injured, although some local reports suggest the casualty figure could be as high as 80.

In response to these atrocities, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), publicly declared his intent to obliterate CODECO, urging the group’s fighters to surrender or face annihilation. Through a series of statements on social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), he expressed, “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.”

As operations commenced, General Kainerugaba also encouraged all CODECO fighters to surrender, stating, “When our attack starts you will be massacred!! CODECO is going to pay a terrible price very soon for the blood of our people!” These statements coincided with the UPDF’s advance into Mahagi, marking a considerable escalation in military actions within the DRC.

Military sources have confirmed that UPDF troops are now securing important positions within Mahagi as they prepare to launch further offensives toward Djugu and Fataki, where CODECO has been terrorizing civilians. The Congolese Army (FARDC) has struggled to effectively deal with CODECO, which has been responsible for the deaths of hundreds since 2014, disguising its actions as efforts to protect the Lendu tribe against the Hema community.

In addition to military initiatives, General Kainerugaba articulated Uganda’s strategic objectives in eastern DRC, declaring that the UPDF aims to dominate the border region up to Lubero. He emphasized, “Well, now the UPDF is going to capture the entire DRC border with Uganda. From Lubero north! That is our sphere of influence. NOTHING will happen there without our permission.”

This further signals Uganda’s intentions for a lasting military presence in the DRC, focusing on securing the region from insurgent threats. As UPDF consolidates its hold on Mahagi, confrontations with CODECO fighters in Djugu and Fataki appear imminent. The General also called upon Ugandans to support their forces, stating, “Please pray for our brave troops who are even now advancing on Mahagi. God bless His Army, UPDF, forever!”

As the UPDF sets its sights on both Djugu and Fataki, this aggressive approach in eastern DRC represents a pivotal shift in the conflict against CODECO and ADF, potentially altering the security landscape of the Great Lakes region.

In summary, the UPDF’s recent incursion into Mahagi underscores a decisive military effort against CODECO, aiming to address the violent actions perpetrated against civilians. With General Muhoozi Kainerugaba at the helm, Uganda seeks to establish strategic control over the DRC border region. These developments signal an intensified campaign against the militia, laying the groundwork for potential changes in the security dynamics of the area.

Original Source: chimpreports.com