Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba Meets CODECO Leaders in Entebbe, Urges Peace and Regional Cooperation

Entebbe, Uganda – April 22, 2025

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, this morning held a high-level meeting in Entebbe with a delegation from the Cooperative for the Development of the Congo (CODECO), a Lendu militia group from Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) that has previously clashed with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces (UPDF) in parts of Ituri Province.

The meeting is part of Uganda’s broader regional peace and diplomacy efforts aimed at de-escalating tensions and fostering cooperation among stakeholders in the conflict-affected Great Lakes region.

The CODECO delegation was led by Mr. Dunji Kulukpa Etienne, Vice President of the Lendu Community in Eastern Congo, and included several political and militant leaders of the movement. On the Ugandan side, the CDF was accompanied by senior military officials including Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Land Forces; Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander of the UPDF 4th Infantry Division; and Brig Gen Oscar Munanura, Assistant Deputy Defence Intelligence and Security Chief for Counter Intelligence.

Mr. Dunji conveyed gratitude to the CDF for Uganda’s warm hospitality and used the opportunity to express deep regret over the violent confrontations between CODECO fighters and the UPDF, particularly in the Fataki area of Ituri Province. He revealed that the clashes were fueled by misinformation and influence from external negative forces who sought to portray the UPDF’s presence as hostile rather than peace-oriented.

“The Lendu, Balega, and Bahema communities have no fundamental issue with Uganda or the UPDF,” Mr. Dunji emphasized, adding that Uganda had been a vital lifeline for many Congolese citizens during difficult times—offering medical assistance, refuge, and economic opportunities.

The CDF, in his remarks, underscored Uganda’s historic and strategic interest in peace and stability within the eastern DRC, noting longstanding military engagements in the early 2000s against insurgent groups such as the Uganda Homeland Liberation Front (UHLF) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to fostering mutual respect, regional cooperation, and lasting peace in the Great Lakes region.

“The future of our region depends on dialogue, cooperation, and unity against forces of division and extremism,” Gen Muhoozi noted. He further called on CODECO leaders to work alongside the UPDF and other regional security forces to restore normalcy in Ituri Province and prevent further bloodshed among innocent civilians.

As a gesture of goodwill, the UPDF offered free medical treatment at its facilities to CODECO fighters who were injured in recent confrontations. The move was welcomed by the Congolese delegation as a symbol of Uganda’s commitment to healing and reconciliation.

This engagement comes after the CODECO leaders were formally received in Uganda earlier this week by Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga and Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, reflecting a growing regional push for diplomacy over confrontation.

The meeting is expected to open a new chapter of understanding between Uganda and armed groups operating in eastern DRC, amid ongoing regional and international efforts to stabilize one of Africa’s most volatile regions.