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Unverified Reports Claim Over 674 Ugandan Soldiers Killed in DRC Ambush; UPDF Yet to Confirm.
Kampala Updates, a popular Twitter page, has sparked controversy with claims that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) lost at least 674 soldiers in a deadly ambush by rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The allegations, which remain unconfirmed, suggest bodies are being secretly transported to Gulu Barracks via the Arua-Pakwach-Nwoya route.
According to the post, the attack marks one of the heaviest losses for Ugandan forces in recent years. It further alleges a deliberate cover-up, stating that families of the deceased have been warned against speaking to the media.
The claims contradict public statements by acting UPDF spokesperson Col. Chris Magezi, who recently praised Uganda’s “progress” in DRC operations without addressing casualties.
Notably, the post highlights a regional disparity among the alleged casualties: only 73 of the 674 bodies reportedly belong to soldiers from outside northern Uganda. This has raised questions about the deployment demographics of Ugandan troops in the ongoing conflict.
The UPDF has yet to respond to these allegations. Uganda’s military has been active in eastern DRC since late 2021, partnering with Congolese forces under Operation Shujaa to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebel group. However, the mission has faced criticism for its prolonged timeline and rising costs.
Social media reactions have been mixed, with some users condemning the alleged lack of transparency and others dismissing the figures as exaggerated.
As speculation grows, calls for an official UPDF statement are intensifying. Analysts urge caution, noting that unverified battlefield reports are common in conflict zones and may be exploited for disinformation.
For now, the story remains in limbo. If confirmed, the scale of the loss would represent a devastating blow to Uganda’s military operations in the DRC and ignite fierce debate about the mission’s strategic value.
This is a developing story. Updates will follow as official responses emerge.