Uganda Peoples' Defence Forces have denied claims that a group of civilians totalling about 80 in number mostly from Paidha, Nyapea, Zeu, Zaale, Songoli, Atyak and a few from Warr who, armed with bows, arrows, pangas and spears, Misled by some Congolese elements seeking guns for use for criminal activities in Eastern Congo, carried out an adventurous attack on a UPDF detachment in Zombo on the night of Friday 6th March 2020, were trained in Kiryandongo.
A local daily alleged on Monday 9th March 2020, that the attackers were trained in Kiryandongo forest, but UPDF says this report is unauthentic and that investigations are still ongoing to establish more details.
During the attackers, 3 UPDF soldiers were killed by hacking with pangas and arrows. The assailants were mobilised by some group who were recently given amnesty by government including one Ovoya a witch doctor and other ring leaders like Atochon, Oketcha, Openji Openjuru and a UPDF veteran Coporal Tonifa Bosco.
17 of these attackers were killed, 26 captured some with bullet injuries now in the hands of military investigators. Many more are being arrested by civilians in Konga, Jangukuru, Awasi, Ageri, Konga Kona Angwen and Adhosi.
"Our forces in collaboration with Congolese Forces and authorities are still pursuing those that went to Congo. Some have been already arrested" Lt Col Deo Akiiki the Deputy Defence Spokesperson says.
According to Akiiki, UPDF will continue with the operation to ensure the group is wiped out and the leaders both in Uganda and Congo are brought to book. We have increased our boarder operations across the entire frontier with DRC in this area and call upon the wanainch to continue working with security forces to keep our boarders and our people safe and secure.
He applauded the people of Zombo for the massive involvement and vital information sharing in this operation, adding that the entire district is safe and secure.
