Ugandan forces killed 242 CODECO fighters during a large battle in Fataki, eastern Congo, on March 18 and 19, 2025. CODECO rebels attacked the UPDF camp with heavy weapons early in the morning. The Ugandan army fought back hard, killing 31 attackers on the first day and 211 more on the second. One Ugandan soldier died in the fighting, with four others hurt and sent to Uganda for medical help.
Colonel Chris Magezi from the UPDF said the rebels hit their forces twice but lost badly both times. CODECO has become known across Ituri Province for its brutal attacks. The group mainly includes Lendu fighters who attack Hema communities. They have killed hundreds of regular people, mostly women and children, and burned many villages completely.
CODECO began as a group claiming self-defense but grew into a fractured rebel force. They attack refugee camps, Congolese army teams, and UN peacekeepers. Recent reports show that CODECO joined with the Allied Democratic Forces, another dangerous group. This team-up has made attacks worse all through Ituri, causing more hardship for local communities.
The UPDF arrived in Fataki just a few weeks ago. They work to stop ADF fighters escaping from Operation Shujaa, a joint military effort by Uganda and Congo. Ugandan troops also protect Bunia and Mahagi, bringing safety to areas that faced constant violence for years. Their presence helps reduce refugees fleeing into Uganda from these dangerous areas.
Local leaders are happy that the Ugandan military is helping them against these violent groups. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of Uganda's military, promised to crush both CODECO and ADF completely. He stated that Uganda plans to secure the entire border area from Lubero northward to block rebel movement between countries.
Colonel Chris Magezi from the UPDF said the rebels hit their forces twice but lost badly both times. CODECO has become known across Ituri Province for its brutal attacks. The group mainly includes Lendu fighters who attack Hema communities. They have killed hundreds of regular people, mostly women and children, and burned many villages completely.
CODECO began as a group claiming self-defense but grew into a fractured rebel force. They attack refugee camps, Congolese army teams, and UN peacekeepers. Recent reports show that CODECO joined with the Allied Democratic Forces, another dangerous group. This team-up has made attacks worse all through Ituri, causing more hardship for local communities.
The UPDF arrived in Fataki just a few weeks ago. They work to stop ADF fighters escaping from Operation Shujaa, a joint military effort by Uganda and Congo. Ugandan troops also protect Bunia and Mahagi, bringing safety to areas that faced constant violence for years. Their presence helps reduce refugees fleeing into Uganda from these dangerous areas.
Local leaders are happy that the Ugandan military is helping them against these violent groups. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, head of Uganda's military, promised to crush both CODECO and ADF completely. He stated that Uganda plans to secure the entire border area from Lubero northward to block rebel movement between countries.
