UPDF Officer Dies in Congo Fight Mishap

A top Ugandan army officer has died after being hurt in combat. Colonel David Byaruhanga was fighting CODECO rebels in eastern Congo when he got injured. He died at Nakasero Hospital in Kampala after being flown back to Uganda for care. He was part of the Uganda People's Defence Forces mission against CODECO and ADF rebels in Ituri.

Army spokesman Colonel Chris Magezi explained that enemy fire did not kill Byaruhanga. Instead, a broken weapon caused his fatal injuries. A rocket launcher failed when a soldier tried to use it, hurting Byaruhanga and other soldiers nearby. Doctors rushed them all to Uganda, but they couldn't save Byaruhanga's life.

This happened during a big battle in Fataki, where Ugandan troops beat back a heavy rebel attack. The CODECO fighters tried to overrun their position for two straight days. The fighting ended with 242 rebels dead. The Ugandan army lost one soldier right away and had four more injured, counting Byaruhanga, who died later.

Byaruhanga earned praise for his role in planning military actions in northern Ituri. This region has faced terrible violence from CODECO for many years. These Lendu fighters have killed lots of Hema civilians. They burned down villages and recently joined forces with ADF rebels.

Having Ugandan troops in Fataki has brought some peace to locals who have suffered for years. Their job is to stop violence from spreading further across the region. Many fellow officers call Byaruhanga a loyal hero who served his country with honor. The military will give him a full honors funeral to mark his service.
 

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