Battle of Sembabule

Battle of Sembabule
Part of the Uganda–Tanzania War
DateMarch – 5/6 April 1979
Location
Result Tanzanian victory
Territorial
changes
Sembabule captured by Tanzanian forces
Belligerents
 Tanzania  Uganda
Commanders and leaders
Herman Lupogo
Muhiddin Kimario
unknown
Units involved
205th Brigade Tiger Regiment[a]
Casualties and losses
c. 20 killed 25 killed

The Battle of Sembabule was a battle of the Uganda–Tanzania War that took place from March to 5/6 April 1979 in the town of Sembabule, Uganda. Tanzania had repulsed a Ugandan invasion in late 1978, and in early 1979 the Tanzania People's Defence Force (TPDF) crossed into southern Uganda. The Tanzanians decided shortly thereafter to attack the Ugandan capital, Kampala, and the 205th Brigade was detailed in early March to be sent north from Masaka and then west of the city. Ugandan President Idi Amin declared over radio that his forces were about to surround the TPDF, prompting Tanzanian commanders to dispatch the 205th Brigade to deal with the Uganda Army's Tiger Regiment in Mubende. While moving north, the 205th Brigade encountered the Tiger Regiment at Sembabule, beginning a three-week-long battle. The Tiger Regiment effectively resisted the Tanzanians for some time, prompting a change in command of the 205th Brigade and in its tactics, bringing about the eventual fall of Sembabule to the Tanzanians on 5 or 6 April. The Battle of Sembabule was the longest battle of the 1978-1979 war.
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