UPDF has captured a major stronghold of the CODECO militia in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in a significant breakthrough under Operation Mlinzi wa Wanyonge translated as Operation Protection of the Weak.
The announcement was made by Col. Chris Magezi, the Military Assistant to CDF Muhoozi in a post shared on X (formerly Twitter), hailing the development as a critical step toward ending the years-long reign of terror by the ultra-violent CODECO militia.
“For years, the people of Ituri, especially the Hema community, suffered unimaginable atrocities at the hands of CODECO,” Col. Magezi wrote. “This victory restores hope for long-suffering communities.”
CODECO, a militia notorious for orchestrating brutal ethnic cleansing campaigns, has for years operated with impunity, targeting civilians in Ituri Province, including mass killings and village burnings.
The group’s sustained violence forced thousands of Congolese to flee across the border into Uganda in search of safety.
UPDF’s ongoing offensive, conducted in coordination with Congolese security forces, has seen major gains in the fight against armed groups destabilizing eastern DRC.
The recent capture of the CODECO base is considered a major morale booster for the joint forces and a relief to war-affected civilians.
Operation Mlinzi wa Wanyonge, launched earlier this year, is a regional military initiative designed to flush out militias and restore peace in volatile regions of the eastern DRC.
It has received backing from regional blocs and is being praised for taking a firm stand against terror groups targeting vulnerable populations.
“The campaign is not just military — it is a humanitarian mission to restore dignity and peace,” Col. Magezi emphasized.
As peace gradually returns to some parts of Ituri, there is growing optimism that displaced persons may soon begin returning home and rebuilding their lives.
However, military officials caution that isolated militia elements may still pose a threat, calling for continued vigilance and support for peace operations in the region.
Uganda currently hosts more than 1.5 million refugees, with a large percentage having fled violence in DRC, including atrocities linked to CODECO and other militia groups.
