North Kivu, DRC | The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have responded to reports of a recent road crash involving their soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This follows the circulation of a picture suggesting that several soldiers had lost their lives in the incident on the Beni-Biakato road.
Maj. Bilal Katamba, Public Information Officer for UPDF’s Mountain Division and Operation Shujaa, confirmed that the crash occurred on October 22, 2024, but clarified that it was not fatal. He reported that while soldiers sustained minor injuries, they have since improved.
“Our troops, while heading for operations under Shujaa, were involved in a motor vehicle accident at MAKEKE between Mangina and Lebia on the Beni-Biakato road. The accident was primarily caused by poor road conditions,” Maj. Katamba stated.
The UPDF has been active in the DRC since November 2021, conducting operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) rebels in response to bomb attacks in Kampala that resulted in civilian casualties. The Ugandan forces were granted permission to enter DRC territory to neutralize threats.
In the past, UPDF has experienced several air and road crashes, leading to both military and civilian casualties. One of the most tragic incidents occurred in October 2022 when a UPDF Mi-17 helicopter crashed, resulting in the deaths of 22 individuals.
Regarding the latest crash, Maj. Katamba mentioned that investigations are underway to determine any additional causes. “The injured soldiers are out of danger, and our operations are continuing as planned. We are grateful to our joint medical team from UPDF and FARDC for their prompt response in stabilizing those injured,” he added.
