By Mike Rwothomio

Ugandans and Congolese have been assured of maximum peace and security, following the entry of UPDF soldiers in the DR Congo's town of Mahagi , in Ituri Province last week.

Festus Ayikobua, the Resident District Commissioner of the border district of Zombo, in the West Nile Sub region stated that, " there is no cause for alarm" 

Speaking on a local radio on March 5, 2025, Ayikobua highlighted that Ugandan forces entered DRC to pacify the area for peaceful settlement of returned Congolese refugees, Pan-Africanism and bilateral agreement between leaders of the two African states.

On February 3, 2025, Felix Kulaygye, the Ugandan army Spokesperson confirmed the entry of Ugandan troops to northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo, in a bid to fend off attacks by local armed groups.

He revealed that the deployment was premised on request by Congolese Authorities following purported massacres of 51 locals near Mahagi town, by the local militia called Cooperative For the Development of Congo ( CODECO).

" Our troops have entered Mahagi town, and we are in control," Uganda's defense and military affairs spokesperson Felix Kulayigye told AFP Sunday.

Following the UPDF's entry into DR Congo, Ugandans in greater Nebbi's three districts of Pakwach, Nebbi and Zombo, have been expressing mix reactions, compelling the Zombo RDC Festus Ayikobua, to clear the air on a local radio.

" Much as our soldiers have entered Congo, I want to assure you that there is no cause for alarm, the situation is peaceful" Ayikobua said in parts.

He added" we are there to protect our people in the spirit of pan Africanism"

Mahagi is in Ituri province, which borders Uganda, where at least 51 people were killed on February 10 by armed men affiliated with CODECO, according to humanitarian and local sources.

In 2021, the same Congolese based rebel outfit CODECO, launched a violent attacked in Ugandan, on an army detach at Zeu, in Zombo, only to be repulsed by UPDF soldiers who killed five of the attackers.

DR Congo is apparently plagued by activities of over 100 militias, majorly operating in the volatile Eastern side.

CODECO claims it defends the interests of the Lendu community, mainly composed of farmers, against the Hema community, who are mainly herders.

The latest deployment compounds to the thousands of Ugandan troops earlier deployed in other parts of Ituri under an agreement with the Congolese government, to pacify the mineral- rich volatile Eastern Congo.

Last month, Uganda announced its troops had "taken control" of the provincial capital, Bunia.

In January, the well entrenched anti-government M23 rebels, seized Goma city, in another big blow to Kinshasa establishment.

Zombo leaders pose for a photo with UPDF officers during a recent belated Tareasita day at Paidha town council.