The Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) has dismissed reports alleging killings in the Komanda–Eringeti area of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), clarifying that the claims are inaccurate and misleading.
In a statement issued on Thursday, UPDF spokesperson Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye said no such incident occurred in the area.
He explained that the latest confrontation with Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) militants took place in Apakwang, about 40 kilometres north of Komanda in Mambasa territory. During the exchange, UPDF lost two soldiers.
“This was an area that previously served as a stronghold of ADF leader Musa Baluku before our forces dislodged them,” Kulayigye said.
He noted that the ADF, under increasing pressure from joint UPDF and Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) operations, has resorted to reprisal attacks on remote villages in an attempt to intimidate communities and generate publicity.
Despite these challenges, Kulayigye highlighted recent operational successes. In Chabi, joint forces launched a strike against two enemy groups of between 10 and 15 fighters.
Three terrorists were killed, and three guns were recovered in the engagement. He added that pursuit operations are ongoing to track down a splinter group of 15–20 fighters believed to be active around Oicha.
The UPDF stressed that, together with FARDC, it remains focused on neutralising the ADF, safeguarding civilians, and restoring stability in eastern DRC.
“Our forces remain committed to protecting civilians, dismantling terrorist networks, and ensuring lasting peace in the region,” Kulayigye reaffirmed.
Operation Shujja, launched in late 2021, is a joint military offensive by Uganda and the DRC aimed at uprooting the ADF, an Islamist rebel group blamed for years of atrocities in the region.
