How top army commander died as UPDF killed 242 militants in DR Congo battle
UPDF soldiers during Operation Shujaa in DR Congo. PHOTO/FILE.
What you need to know:
- UPDF confirmed to Monitor on Saturday that their commander died on a mission that apparently delivered a heavy blow to CODECO militants.
Ugandan troops killed 242 militants from the Cooperative for Development of the Congo (CODECO) armed group in a two-day battle in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), authorities in the army told Monitor on Saturday.
The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) said its soldiers repelled coordinated attacks by CODECO militia on Wednesday and Thursday in Fataki, a town in the restive Ituri province.
The clashes left at least one Ugandan army commander dead, and four other soldiers wounded.
“The militias attacked our blocking force early in the morning on both days but were repulsed with heavy losses," acting defence public information officer Col Chris Magezi said in a statement.
“We lost one soldier, and four others sustained injuries but are receiving medical care,” he added.
The fallen soldier has since been identified by UPDF as Col David Byaruhanga, the 409 Brigade Commander at Bondo Barracks in Arua District.
He succumbed to injuries sustained in battle following his evacuation for medical treatment.
According to UPDF 4th Division public information officer Capt David Kamya, Col Byaruhanga passed away on Friday at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala, where he had been receiving treatment with at least three other Ugandan servicemen.
On Saturday, Col Magezi told Monitor: "...that is the officer we lost. He died from injuries sustained from a malfunctioned Rocket Propelled Grenade (RPG). It was from our own as they were trying to repel the enemies who attacked our defensive position."
Deceased: Col David Byaruhanga, the UPDF 409 Brigade Commander at Bondo Barracks. PHOTO/HANDOUT
Earlier, Capt Kamya emphasized that "he died as a hero- and we shall remember him."
Col Magezi revealed that UPDF deployed in Fataki weeks ago to prevent fleeing Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels from infiltrating the region as they escape a joint offensive by Ugandan and Congolese troops under Operation Shujaa.
CODECO, a notorious militia composed largely of Lendu fighters, recently allied with the ADF and has intensified attacks in Ituri.
CODECO has been blamed for massacres of civilians, particularly from the Hema ethnic group, torching villages and looting communities.
“The presence of the UPDF has come as a relief to residents who have endured years of brutal assaults by Lendu and allied militias,” Col Magezi said.
The ongoing violence in Ituri has forced hundreds of civilians to flee across the border into Uganda, seeking safety.
The UPDF said its presence in the region aims to curb further displacement and restore stability in the conflict-torn province.
“The UPDF deployments in the northern Ituri region is also expected to stem the flow of refugees,” Col Magezi noted on X.
Meanwhile, CODECO spokesperson Basa Zukpa Gerson refuted the army's account on Saturday, saying that the group only lost two fighters and that the UPDF death toll was higher.
A United Nations source who did not wish to be named said 70 rebels and 12 Ugandan troops were killed.
There were further clashes between the two sides on Saturday morning, CODECO and a local civil society leader said.
CODECO fighters say their aim is to defend Lendu farmers from Hema herders, which have historically clashed over land.
