Ugandan troops (UPDF) have arrived in Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, following an announcement by Uganda’s army chief, General Kainarugaba Muhoozi. He stated that their mission is to halt the ongoing massacres targeting the Hema people, whom he referred to as “his blood.”
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On February 15, 2025, General Muhoozi issued an ultimatum to all armed groups in Bunia, demanding they surrender their weapons within 24 hours. Bunia is located approximately 40 kilometers from the Uganda-DRC border. The general warned that if the groups failed to comply, the UPDF would take decisive military action against them.
Yesterday, Ugandan troops officially entered Bunia to protect the Hema people, who have been subjected to relentless attacks. Uganda’s intervention was coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (FARDC), and both militaries have agreed to collaborate in securing the city and its surrounding areas.
The deployment was confirmed by Ugandan army spokesperson Brig. Gen. Félix Kulayigye, who stated that Bunia is now under joint control of Ugandan and Congolese forces. This military action follows a sharp increase in violence against the Hema community, reportedly perpetrated by armed groups allied with the Lendu ethnic group.
Ugandan forces have been present in the DRC since late 2021, primarily engaged in counterterrorism operations against the ADF Nalu insurgent group. However, their continued presence has been met with criticism from some Congolese citizens, who argue that the UPDF has done little to improve security and should withdraw from Congolese territory.
