A group of people who recently attacked a UPDF detach in Zombo, leading to gross fatalities were mobilized by a bunch of criminals including a witchdoctor –The Ministry of Defense has said.
In a statement by MOD Deputy Spokesperson Lt. Col. Deo Akiiki, the attackers mostly from Paidha, Nyapea, Zeu, Zaale, Songoli, Atiak and Warr, were mobilized by criminals who were recently given amnesty by government including one Avoya a witchdoctor, a UPDF veteran Tonifa Bosco, and ring leaders Otochon, Oketcha, Openji, and Openjuru.
On 6th March 2020, a group of 80 civilians armed with arrows, panga’s and spears conducted an adventurous attack on a UPDF detach in Zombo District, leading to gross fatalities. The motive of the attack became a matter of speculation.
Lt. Col. Akiiki said the civilians were misled by some Congolese elements seeking guns for use in criminal activities in Eastern Congo. He also disputed reports that the attackers were trained in Kiryandongo forest in Western Uganda.
He said during the attack, 17 of the assailants were killed, while 25 were captured and are currently undergoing military investigations. He said many more are being arrested by civilians in Konga, Jangukulu, Awasi, Ageri, Konga Kona, Angweni, and Adhosi.
According to Akiiki, 3 UPDF soldiers were killed by hacking with pangas and arrows.
Deo Akiiki said UPDF has intensified boarder operations across the entire frontier with DRC, and the operations will continue until the group is wiped out.
