Congolese soldiers killed in clashes with Ugandan troops

Clashes between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have left two Congolese soldiers dead and one critically injured. The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in the Djugu area, about 75 kilometers from Bunia in Ituri Territory, North Kivu. Radio Okapi reported that heavy gunfire was heard around 10 a.m., allegedly after “drunken Ugandan soldiers opened fire on Congolese army positions,” prompting FARDC troops to respond. Later, FARDC soldiers reportedly moved toward the UPDF positions to rescue two civilians

Clashes between the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC) have left two Congolese soldiers dead and one critically injured. The incident occurred on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, in the Djugu area, about 75 kilometers from Bunia in Ituri Territory, North Kivu. Radio Okapi reported that heavy gunfire was heard around 10 a.m., allegedly after “drunken Ugandan soldiers opened fire on Congolese army positions,” prompting FARDC troops to respond. Later, FARDC soldiers reportedly moved toward the UPDF positions to rescue two civilians detained by Ugandan troops on accusations of being CODECO militia members. A firefight ensued, resulting in the deaths of the two FARDC soldiers and the severe injury of another. Uganda maintains forces in eastern DRC—particularly in Beni and Ituri—as part of “Operation Shujaa,” a joint effort with FARDC to combat the ADF insurgent group. Periodic clashes occur between the two armies due to tensions, miscommunication, or mistaken identification.