FORGIVE US! DRC Rebel Leaders Meet Gen Muhoozi, Apologize for Attacks on UPDF

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, this morning hosted a delegation from the Lendu militia group CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) at a closed-door meeting at the SFC offices in Entebbe aimed at fostering dialogue and reducing tensions between the group and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF).

The CODECO delegation was led by Mr. Dunji Kulukpa Etienne, Vice President of the Lendu Community in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), who was accompanied by key political and militant leaders of the group.

On the Ugandan side, the meeting was attended by senior military officials including Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of Land Forces; Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division; and Brig Gen Oscar Munanura, Assistant Deputy Defence Intelligence and Security Chief for Counter Intelligence.

During the meeting, Mr. Dunji expressed appreciation for Uganda’s hospitality and extended apologies over recent clashes between CODECO fighters and UPDF troops in the Fataki region of Ituri Province. He attributed the confrontation to misinformation propagated by elements opposed to peace and regional cooperation, noting that the Lendu, along with the Balega and Bahema communities, do not harbor hostility towards Uganda or its armed forces.

He also acknowledged the prolonged suffering in Ituri due to divisive politics and thanked Uganda for its continued support to the Congolese people through the provision of medical aid, refuge, and economic opportunities.

In his remarks, Gen Kainerugaba reiterated Uganda’s commitment to regional peace and stability, emphasizing the historical ties between Uganda and the people of North Kivu and Ituri provinces. He referenced past joint efforts in combating insurgent groups such as the Uganda Homeland Liberation Front (UHLF) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) during the early 2000s.

(Photos by Kampala Post)