UPDF commander killed in battle with ADF.

Although details of his demise are still scanty, information obtained indicates that Byaruhanga died on Friday after sustaining injuries from gunshot wounds by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday. One of the soldiers who reportedly evacuated Byaruhanga says that his boss sustained injuries on the head, chest, legs, and upper thigh. Byaruhanga succumbed to the injuries at Nakasero hospital where he was admitted. Chris Magezi, the acting Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) spokesman said in a statement that UPDF was attacked by the Cooperative for Development of Congo (CODECO) militia on Wednesday and Thursday at Fataki, Eastern DRC. He said that the UPDF managed to repulse the attack by killing 242 CODECO militias in a two-day battle.“The militias attacked the UPDF blocking force on Wednesday and Thursday in early morning raids (18-19 March 2025) but were repulsed on each occasion with the group sustaining heavy casualties in the process. 31 militias were killed in action on Wednesday, and another 211 died on Thursday morning, yesterday. The UPDF suffered one fatality, while 4 other soldiers were injured over the course of the attacks,” the statement issued reads. Byaruhanga popularly known as Apa Lobokli in Karamoja left the 405 Brigade located in Kotido district in December 2024 for another deployment in West Nile. Several people including the leaders in Karamoja have eulogized the soldier who is remembered for contributions to the peace gains in Northern Karamoja. Rosemary Igira, a peace actor in Karamoja says that Byaruhanga was a peace ambassador and peacemaker in Karamoja. “I remember him as a peace ambassador and peacemaker for Karamoja; a very strong and hardworking commander, free to all people and a commander with love and humility,” she said. She adds that Byaruhanga is a soldier who cherished teamwork, believed in consultation, and loved to see the Karimojongpeople in harmony and peaceful coexistence with all people. “I refer to him as a game changer for Karamoja after those he succeeded failed,” she added. Igira also remembers Byaruhanga as a God-fearing man who participated in all church events fully amidst his busy schedules. “He was always in church earlier than other Christians. I remember his contribution during the preparation for the Paimol Martyrs celebration in October when he participated in making sure the foot pilgrims from KotidoDiocese were transported back after the Martyr’s Day celebration. The Catholic Church will surely miss him,” Igira said.