The UPDF has invaded Mahagi in the DRC to confront CODECO militias, following a massacre in February 2025 that left over 50 civilians dead. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba has vowed to annihilate CODECO, calling for their surrender. The ongoing military operations signify Uganda’s ambitions to establish control over the border region and combat insurgent violence, which has plagued the area for years.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have entered Mahagi, a region in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as part of a strategic offensive against the Cooperative for the Development of Congo (CODECO) militia and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). This military action follows a horrific massacre in February 2025 committed by CODECO in Djugu, which left at least 52 confirmed dead and sparked widespread calls for intervention against the armed group.
The massacre involved CODECO fighters attacking three villages in Djugu, resulting in the deaths of numerous civilians and the destruction of approximately 30 residences. Civil society reports indicate that at least 52 people were killed, with some sources suggesting the actual toll may reach as high as 80 individuals, alongside several others suffering injuries during the brutal assaults.
In response to the tragedies, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has pledged to eradicate CODECO. He has urged the militia fighters to surrender, warning of severe consequences should they resist. On social media, he stated, “I have said it before, our enemies in DRC are ADF and CODECO! We shall hunt them until the end of time!” – Source.
Military engagement escalated as UPDF troops advanced into Mahagi following General Kainerugaba’s statements. This advance marks a significant intensification of Uganda’s military campaign against CODECO, as armed forces secure pivotal areas and prepare for further operations aimed at combating the insurgent threat.
Reports confirmed that UPDF troops are now establishing key positions in Mahagi, with upcoming strategies targeting Djugu and Fataki, regions heavily impacted by CODECO’s violent actions against civilians. Concurrently, the Congolese Army, FARDC, has struggled to mitigate CODECO’s longstanding spree of violence, which has inflicted widespread civilian casualties since 2014.
General Kainerugaba has also articulated Uganda’s broader strategic goals in eastern DRC, announcing intentions to assert control extending from Lubero northward. He emphasized, “Well, now the UPDF is going to capture the entire DRC border with Uganda. From Lubero north! That is our sphere of influence.” – Source. This declaration underscores Uganda’s commitment to a sustained military presence within the DRC.
As the UPDF consolidates its position in Mahagi, imminent operations are anticipated to lead to confrontations with CODECO forces in surrounding areas. General Kainerugaba has appealed to the Ugandan populace for support, underscoring the commitment and bravery of the troops on the frontline: “Please pray for our brave troops who are even now advancing on Mahagi. God bless His Army, UPDF, forever!!” – Source.
The UPDF’s aggressive posture in the DRC, focusing on combating CODECO and ADF, heralds a potential realignment of security dynamics across the Great Lakes region as operations intensify in areas such as Djugu and Fataki.
The UPDF’s entry into Mahagi represents a critical escalation in military operations against CODECO and ADF, prompted by a recent massacre that resulted in significant civilian casualties. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s statements affirm Uganda’s commitment to ensuring regional security and dismantling insurgent threats. As operations develop, the situation may dictate a transformative impact on security across the Great Lakes region.
Original Source: chimpreports.com
