The leadership of the notorious Congolese Lendu militia group CODECO has reconciled with the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), ending weeks of tension and deadly clashes.
The peace gesture came during a high-stakes diplomatic meeting on Tuesday, April 22, where CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo) and Uganda’s military elite met face-to-face in Entebbe for a deal no one saw coming.
Speaking on behalf of the CODECO delegation, Mr. Dunji Kulukpa Etienne, Vice President of the Lendu Community in eastern DRC, made a stunning admission and said they were misled against UPDF troops.
“We regret the clashes. We were misled by negative forces that told us to oppose the UPDF. The Lendu, Balega, and Bahema people have no issue with Uganda.”
Accompanied by fellow political and militant leaders, Dunji went on to thank Uganda for years of humanitarian support, including offering refuge, medical aid, and economic opportunity to Congolese citizens displaced by war.
Dunji thanked the CDF for Uganda’s hospitality and expressed regret over the clashes between CODECO militants and the UPDF in Fataki.
He explained that they were misled by some negative forces who had urged them to oppose the UPDF’s presence in the area and emphasized that the Lendu people—along with the Balega and Bahema communities have no issue with Uganda or the UPDF.
Dunji also expressed regret over the prolonged suffering in Ituri Province due to divisive politics and thanked Uganda for its longstanding support, including medical aid, refuge, and business opportunities for Congolese citizens.
On the Ugandan side, attendees included Gen. Kainerugaba (CDF); Lt. Gen. Kayanja Muhanga, Commander of 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.
These top-ranking officers had previously clashed with CODECO militants in Fataki, a battleground now being re-imagined as a peace zone.
The CODECO leaders were received in Uganda a few days ago by the CLF and the 4th Division Commander.
Gen. Muhoozi emphasized Uganda’s longstanding commitment to regional peace, referencing the country’s earlier battles against the ADF and Uganda Homeland Liberation Front (UHLF).
CDF urged CODECO leaders to ally with the UPDF in pursuit of lasting peace and stability in eastern Congo.
Uganda later offered free medical treatment to injured CODECO fighters in UPDF facilities, a gesture meant to demonstrate sincerity and de-escalate hostilities ahead of deeper collaboration.
