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The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, met leaders of the Lendu militia group, CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo), in Entebbe this morning, addressing recent clashes between the militia and the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF).
The CODECO delegation was headed by Dunji Kulukpa Etienne, Vice President of the Lendu Community in Eastern DRC, accompanied by senior political and militant leaders from CODECO.
Ugandan officials attending the meeting included Lt Gen Kayanja Muhanga, Commander Land Forces; Maj Gen Felix Busizoori, Commander of the 4th Infantry Division; and Brig Gen Oscar Munanura, Assistant Deputy Defence Intelligence and Security Chief for Counter Intelligence.
The CODECO leaders arrived in Uganda a few days ago, initially welcomed by the Commander Land Forces and the 4th Division Commander.
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Dunji thanked Gen Kainerugaba for Uganda's hospitality, expressing regret for past clashes between CODECO militants and UPDF troops in Fataki. He clarified that they had been misled by negative groups urging resistance to UPDF’s operations.
"We, the Lendu people, along with Balega and Bahema communities, have no issues with Uganda or the UPDF," Dunji said, emphasising their commitment to peaceful relations.
He also expressed sorrow over prolonged suffering in Ituri Province due to divisive politics and thanked Uganda for consistently providing medical aid, refuge, and business opportunities to Congolese nationals.
Gen Kainerugaba reminded attendees of Uganda’s longstanding connections with North Kivu and Ituri, notably during campaigns against insurgent groups such as the Uganda Homeland Liberation Front (UHLF) and Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the early 2000s.
He encouraged CODECO leaders to partner with the UPDF in achieving lasting peace and stability in eastern Congo.
As a gesture of goodwill, injured CODECO fighters were granted free medical care at UPDF medical facilities following the meeting.