The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met in Entebbe with leaders of the Lendu militia group CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo), which has had previous clashes with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF).
The CODECO delegation was led by Mr Dunji Kulukpa Etienne, Vice President of the Lendu community in Eastern DRC, accompanied by other political and militant figures from the group.
Representing Uganda were Gen Muhoozi, Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of the Land Forces; Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division; and Brig Gen Oscar Munanura, Assistant Deputy Chief of Defence Intelligence and Security for Counter-Intelligence.
The CODECO leaders were received in Uganda days prior by Lt Gen Muhanga and Maj Gen Busizoori.
In his remarks, Mr Dunji thanked the CDF for Uganda’s hospitality and expressed regret over the violent confrontations in Fataki. He attributed the clashes to misinformation by elements seeking to pit CODECO against the UPDF, and clarified that the Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities hold no hostility toward Uganda.
He also acknowledged Uganda’s longstanding support for Congolese people, ranging from medical assistance and safe refuge to economic opportunities, and lamented the protracted suffering in Ituri due to divisive politics.
Gen Muhoozi reaffirmed Uganda’s historical ties with North Kivu and Ituri Provinces, referencing past joint efforts to combat insurgent groups such as the Uganda Homeland Liberation Front (UHLF) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) since the early 2000s.
He called on CODECO leaders to consider aligning with the UPDF to pursue a shared vision of peace and security in Eastern DRC. In a gesture of goodwill, the UPDF offered free medical treatment to injured CODECO fighters at its facilities.