Col. David Byaruhanga, the Commander of 409 Brigade at Bondo Barracks in Arua District, has passed away after succumbing to injuries sustained in a gunshot attack by the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) on Wednesday ¹.
- According to reports, Col. Byaruhanga was evacuated from the battlefield with injuries to the head, chest, legs, and upper thigh. He was admitted to Nakasero Hospital, where he unfortunately passed away on Friday.
The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) had been engaged in a battle with the Cooperative for Development of Congo (CODECO) militia in Eastern DRC, resulting in the deaths of 242 militia members ¹. The UPDF suffered one fatality, Col. Byaruhanga, and four other soldiers were injured.
Col. Byaruhanga was remembered for his contributions to the peace gains in Northern Karamoja, where he was popularly known as Apa Lobokli. Rosemary Igira, a peace actor in Karamoja, described him as a “peace ambassador and peacemaker” who cherished teamwork, believed in consultation, and loved to see the Karimojong people in harmony with others
The Catholic Church will also miss Col. Byaruhanga, who was a God-fearing man and actively participated in church events despite his busy schedule.
