Joseph Isangura
Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni has addressed growing concerns about his country’s military presence in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), insisting that Uganda’s forces are not there to fight the M23 rebels but to tackle a different security threat.
In a statement posted on his official social media page on February 21, Museveni explained that the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) is in eastern Congo for two specific reasons: to help Congolese forces combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and to provide security for the construction of a key road linking Kasindi, Beni, and Butembo.
“Our presence in Congo has nothing to do with fighting the M23,” Museveni stated, emphasizing that the conflict between M23 and the Congolese government should be resolved through peaceful dialogue.
Ugandan troops first entered the DRC in 2021 as part of “Operation Shujaa,” a joint effort with the Congolese army to eliminate the ADF, an armed group accused of committing deadly attacks on civilians. The mission has reportedly disrupted ADF activities, freed hostages, and dismantled some of their bases, but the group remains active.
Beyond military operations, Uganda is also investing in infrastructure in eastern Congo. The Kasindi-Beni-Butembo road project, supported by the Ugandan government, is meant to improve trade and security in the region. The goal is to strengthen economic ties between the two countries while also ensuring safe movement for civilians.
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However, recent comments by General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and President Museveni’s son, have raised eyebrows. On February 15, he issued a bold warning, threatening military action against the Congolese town of Bunia unless “all forces” in the area surrendered within 24 hours. This statement has sparked concerns over possible escalation in an already volatile region.
The situation in eastern Congo remains fragile, with the M23 rebellion continuing to gain ground since its resurgence in late 2021. Uganda has been accused by some of secretly backing the rebels, a claim the government strongly denies. Museveni’s latest statement appears to be an effort to distance Uganda from the M23 conflict and reinforce the message that the UPDF is focused on fighting the ADF and supporting regional stability.
