Gen Muhoozi Meets CODECO Leaders in Entebbe, Calls for Peace in Eastern Congo

Entebbe, Uganda – April 22, 2025

The Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Gen Muhoozi Kainerugaba, this morning held a high-level meeting in Entebbe with top leaders of the Lendu militia group, CODECO (Cooperative for the Development of the Congo), amid ongoing efforts to restore peace and stability in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The CODECO delegation was led by Mr Dunji Kulukpa Etienne, the Vice President of the Lendu Community in Eastern DRC, who was accompanied by several political and military leaders of the group.

Uganda’s delegation included senior military officials such as 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.

The meeting followed a recent visit to Uganda by the CODECO leaders, who were received by the UPDF’s 4th Division Commander and other top officials. During the discussions, Mr Dunji expressed appreciation for Uganda’s hospitality and acknowledged the unfortunate clashes between CODECO militants and the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Fataki, attributing them to misinformation from hostile elements.

“We were misled by negative forces who urged us to resist UPDF presence,” Mr Dunji said. “The Lendu, along with our neighbours the Balega and Bahema, have no problem with Uganda or the UPDF. In fact, we are grateful for the longstanding support Uganda has provided to Congolese citizens—especially in terms of refuge, healthcare, and economic opportunities.”

Gen Kainerugaba emphasized Uganda’s historical ties to North Kivu and Ituri provinces, referencing past joint efforts to defeat insurgent groups such as the Uganda Homeland Liberation Front (UHLF) and the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).

He appealed to CODECO leaders to cooperate with the UPDF in the pursuit of lasting peace and security in the troubled region. “Stability in eastern Congo is critical, not just for the DRC, but for the entire Great Lakes region,” Gen Kainerugaba noted.

In a goodwill gesture, the UPDF offered free medical treatment to injured CODECO militants at its health facilities, underscoring Uganda’s commitment to regional reconciliation.

The meeting marks a significant step towards rebuilding trust and fostering collaboration between Uganda and the various communities in eastern Congo as regional actors continue to push for sustainable peace.

— Daily West Nile