UPDF repulse rebel attack in Zombo

Four suspected rebels were Friday morning killed following an attack on Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) army detach in Zeu sub-county, Zombo District.

The rebels had guns and matchets.

The identities of those killed have not yet been revealed. But, one of them was identified as Munguriek, a resident of Zeu who was in the group that carried out a similar attack on an army detach in Zombo town council last year.

According to the UPDF spokesperson, the rebels raided the detach at around 6:00 am when the soldiers were about to finish the morning parade.

One UPDF soldier was killed and two others injured in the attack; they were rushed to Warr Health Center IV, according to the source.

The identities of the injured officers have not yet been revealed, but one is believed to be at the rank of a sergeant.

This is the second time such an attack is being carried out on an army detach in Zombo. In June 2020, five soldiers were killed and several huts burnt. 

Later, after the attack, UPDF launched an offensive against the group; some rebels were arrested while others fled to DR. Congo.

The attack was linked to CODECO Lendu Congolese Armed gang and Ugandan informers.

Brig Gen. Bonny Bamweseki, the UPDF Fourth Division Commander, when contacted, said he would provide details later.

UPDF spokesperson, Brig. Gen Flavia Byekwaso  confirmed saying the UPDF unit at Zeu in Zombo repulsed an attack by 20 men disguising as forest workers.

She added 'We captured two, put out of action four and got one gun plus bows and arrows, we lost one soldier, may his soul rest in peace. The group is suspected to be criminals associated with DRC's CODECO rebels.'

Francis Pimumdu, the LC 3 chairperson of Zeu sub-county who visited the detach, said he saw four dead bodies of the attackers. 

According to Pimundu, the attackers who fled immediately to neighbouring DR Congo after they were repulsed were speaking Lendu and Alur.

Recently one of the rebel commanders, commonly known as ‘Colonel Atochon’ reportedly surrendered to the security operatives of DR Congo who, later handed him over to the Ugandan security team.