UPDF Beefs Up Security in West Nile After Attack by Congolese Rebels

The Uganda People's Defense Forces (UPDF) has reinforced security in West Nile following the volatile situation in the Ituri region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to a source familiar with the reinforcement, the UPDF is on increased alert after the attack on some military positions in Zombo by Lendu militias of Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) in March of this year.

The deployment of more UPDF troops, this website understands is to ensure that Uganda is secure from any security threats.

CODECO is an armed group that has been carrying out attacks in the DRC province of Ituri.

CODECO is drawn from the Lendu ethnic group, a predominantly farming community who have historically clashed with the Hema, a group of traders and herders.

Since March, CODECO members are said to have killed over 300 people in Ituri province.

Earlier this month, members of CODECO were seen entering Bunia, the capital city of Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).

According to pictures seen by the Kampala Post, the CODECO rebels were seen being escorted by the police and Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC) as they entered Bunia.

At that time sources told the Kampala Post that the rebels’ mission was to release prisoners from the Central Prison in Bunia.

The source explained that the act by FARDC meant that there is definite collusion between FARDC and the rebels.

The UPDF has a history of successes against armed rebels having defeated several of them including ADF and LRA among others.