CMI Arrests Commander of Rebel Attack on UPDF Detach in Zombo

The leader and Commander of Uganda Homeland Movement (UHLM), a rebel outfit based in neighbouring DRC that attacked two UPDF detaches in Zombo District in July this year.

This news website understands that the rebel leader identified as Openjuru Howard was arrested by the Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI).

The rebel outfit targeted base in Zeu, Zombo and during the attack, UPDF suffered one causality, shot dead four of the attackers, captured two and recovered one SMG gun, 11 rounds, 12 bows and arrows and three machetes.

According to Facebook posts by Openjuru, the rebel outfit was formed to destabilise peace and security in the country and topple the government.

Days after the attack, one of its alleged members identified as Patrick Oryema,60, surrendered to the security team in Nebbi District, confessing that he participated in it.

Oryema, a resident of Ndhew Sub-county in Nebbi, said he joined UHLM in 2020 in DRC after being lured by a witch doctor.

“After drinking the water mixed with some bitter fruit served by the witch doctor, I joined Uganda Homeland Liberation Movement rebel group unknowingly in DR Congo and when I realized it, I escaped because life was hard in the bush,” he said, adding that he had no military background to bear such conditions.

UPDF spokesperson, Brig Flavia Byekwaso, said in July that the 20 attackers disguised as forest workers.

Two of the dead attackers were identified as Ugandans, and the four Congolese nationals are said to have crossed into Uganda from Ayurpa and Miabi trading centres in Muhangi territory.

When he visited the attacked detach, the UPDF Commander for the Land Forces, Lt Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, commended the soldiers for successfully repulsing the rebels and urged them to continue defending their nation.

“I came here to thank you for a great job against the terrorists and to encourage you to do even better once they dare come back. What you gave them was a small portion (jaribu), next time yongeza moto (hit them harder),” Kainerugaba told the soldiers in Kiswahili.

Kainerugaba likened the rebel attack to a child who touches a fire.

“What happens when a child touches fire? Don’t they get burnt? Once those terrorists come back here, teach them a tougher lesson,” he added.