A new contingent of Ugandan soldiers entered the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Saturday via the Anzida border post in Mahagi territory, Ituri province. According to local sources, the troops, heavily armed, established their base at the Zale airfield. This marks another deployment of Ugandan forces in Ituri, where several of their units have been stationed for months. While the official narrative claims that the deployment is part of joint peacekeeping efforts between Uganda and the DRC, some observers question the true motives behind the move, considering the region’s complex history.
Unexpected Entry into Mahagi
The arrival of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in Mahagi took local residents by surprise. Eyewitnesses claim the troops “forcefully opened the Anzida border barrier” before making their way into Congolese territory.
UPDF Presence Across Five Territories of Ituri
On February 18, another UPDF contingent arrived in Bunia, the provincial capital, and is currently stationed in Tsere, on the outskirts of the city. Previously, Ugandan forces had been largely confined to the southern Irumu territory, where they have maintained a presence for over two years.
Currently, UPDF troops are deployed in at least five territories of Ituri province:
- Irumu Territory – Positions in Burasi (Mitego chiefdom), Budundu airfield (Boga chiefdom), and other strategic locations.
- Djugu Territory – Reported presence in several locations.
- Mambasa Territory – Deployed in Bakwanza and Babila Babombi chiefdoms.
- Mahagi Territory – Newly arrived troops now based in Zale airfield.
- Bunia City (Provincial Capital) – Recent deployments stationed in Tsere, on the outskirts of the city.
Peacekeeping or Strategic Move?
Lieutenant Jules Ngongo, spokesperson for the Congolese army (FARDC) in Ituri, stated that the UPDF’s presence in the DRC is part of joint military efforts to consolidate peace during the ongoing state of siege in Ituri. However, critics point to the past history of Uganda’s military interventions in the region, noting that the country’s involvement is not always perceived as neutral. Many remember Uganda’s role in earlier conflicts, particularly the tensions surrounding the treatment of Tutsi populations in neighboring areas.
As Uganda increases its military footprint in DRC, questions linger regarding the true purpose of their presence. While the official stance is peacekeeping, there are concerns that Uganda may have broader strategic interests in the region, especially considering its history in the Kivu provinces and the complex dynamics of the Great Lakes region.
