Uganda is mourning the loss of two Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) soldiers killed in combat in Apakwang, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), as joint operations continue to inflict heavy blows against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels.
In a statement on Thursday, September 4th, 2025, Maj. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, UPDF Director for Defence Public Information, confirmed that Ugandan forces, working alongside the Congolese army (FARDC), carried out coordinated attacks on two enemy groups in Chabi, killing three ADF rebels and recovering three firearms.
“During the engagement, three terrorists were killed and three guns recovered. Pursuit operations are underway to neutralize another splinter group of 15 to 20 fighters operating around Oicha,” Maj. Gen. Kulayigye said.
He clarified that contrary to earlier reports, the fatal incident involving Ugandan soldiers did not take place in Komanda–Eringeti but in Apakwang, about 40 kilometers north of Komanda.
“The facts are that an engagement occurred in Apakwang, and during this encounter, we lost two of our soldiers,” he stated.
Apakwang and its surrounding areas were once a stronghold of ADF leader Musa Baluku. Although UPDF and FARDC offensives have dislodged the group from much of its territory, remnants of the rebel group continue to stage counter attacks.
Despite this, the joint offensive remains active in dismantling rebel networks.
Since its launch in 2021, Operation Shujaa has brought together Ugandan and Congolese forces in a coordinated effort to weaken the ADF and restore stability to Eastern DRC.
