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The Uganda People's Democratic Army (UPDA) was a rebel group operating in northern Uganda from March 1986 to June 1988.[1]
| Uganda People's Democratic Army | |
|---|---|
| Leaders | Odong Latek |
| Dates of operation | March 1986 – June 1988 |
| Ideology | Acholi interests |
| Battles and wars | War in Uganda (1986–1994) |
In January 1986, the government of Ugandan President Tito Okello was overthrown by the rebel National Resistance Army (NRA) under the command of Yoweri Museveni, which took the capital city of Kampala. By March 1986, NRA forces had occupied the traditional land of the Acholis, from which President Okello came. In the same month, former government Uganda National Liberation Army soldiers from Acholiland who had sought sanctuary in southern Sudan formed the rebel Uganda People's Democratic Army to force the NRA out of the North and regain the Acholi's previous status.[2]
By late 1986, the UPDA had proved unable to retake towns. Though it controlled much of the countryside, it was clearly losing. Many rebels deserted, and smaller units spun off into semi-banditry. Many Acholi refused to accept the logical conclusion that resistance was futile and began to support the Holy Spirit Movement of Alice Auma, which promised a millenarian vision of earthly paradise or similar chiliastic groups that had sprung up, including the Uganda People's Democratic Christian Army led by Joseph Rao Kony that would become the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA).[3]
After a year of increasingly desperate operations, including fierce battles among the various Acholi rebel groups for resources, the UPDA signed an accord with the government on 3 June 1988 that called for an end to the conflict and a democratic government. The negotiations were exceptional in that they were carried out by military officers of the UPDA and the NRA. The political wing of the UPDA and the National Resistance Movement were excluded from the talks. While the UPDA founder Odong Latek refused to accept the accord and joined the LRA, most of his officers realized that their military situation was hopeless and, by early 1989, the UPDA had ceased to exist.
At the time of its foundation, the UPDA was organized into two divisions, split into several brigades.[4] Though the group included many ex-UNLA veterans who had considerable combat experience, the UPDA units were usually much weaker than their respective names suggested.[5] The known units included:
- First Division - commanded by Lieutenant Colonel John Angelo Okello Okello;[4][6] operated in Gulu area[4]
- 80 Brigade - commanded by division leader John Angelo Okello Okello[4]
- 100 Spearhead Brigade - commanded by Major Mike Kilama; operated in Aswa County[4]
- 115 Brigade - commanded by Captain Mark Lapyem;[4][6] operated in Nwoya County[4]
- 120 Brigade - commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Atochon Oliver North; based at Nebbi[4]
- 130 Mobile Brigade - commanded by Major Walter Ochora[4]
- Second Division - commanded by Major Nick Kibwota; operated around Kitgum[4]
- 50 Brigade[6]
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