March 28, 2025
A senior Congolese military official has expressed "indignation" over comments made on social media by Uganda’s military chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, that appeared to threaten the seizure of a city in northern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The remarks come amid rising diplomatic tensions as the conflict in eastern Congo continues to escalate.
Kainerugaba, the head of the Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) and son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, made a series of posts on X (formerly Twitter) last weekend.
In one of the posts, he stated that "UPDF will not oppose M23's seizure of Kisangani. But they better move quickly otherwise we will do it ourselves."
His comments were in reference to the ongoing offensive by the Rwandan-backed M23 rebels, who have captured two major cities in eastern Congo since January, marking the largest escalation in the region in decades.
The situation has fueled fears of a wider regional war, with the national armies of Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi all involved in the fighting.
Congo's Response and Regional Concerns
Reacting to the comments, General Jacques Ychaligonza, who oversees operations and intelligence for the Congolese military, expressed displeasure and concern after a meeting with a Ugandan counterpart in Bunia.
"If it is true that this is the Ugandan military chief's account, we have expressed our indignation," Ychaligonza told reporters. "We told them that we are not at all happy about that."
The general also mentioned an incident earlier this month where Congolese forces had briefly blocked Ugandan troops from crossing the border due to a lack of prior notification.
Uganda’s Position
UPDF spokesperson Chris Magezi sought to downplay the situation, stating that Uganda harbors no hostile intentions toward Congo. "The X platform is not an official channel, so people should not take it seriously," Magezi told Reuters. He emphasized that Uganda and Congo are working closely together in their joint military operations against armed militias in the region.
Uganda has deployed thousands of troops in eastern Congo since 2021 to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), an Islamic State-affiliated militia operating in the region. However, the country has a complex history with Congo, having previously intervened in past conflicts and facing allegations from UN experts of supporting M23 rebels, claims Uganda has denied.
Rwanda has also rejected accusations of backing M23, stating that its military actions are aimed at protecting its borders from hostile militias operating within Congo.
Diplomatic Strain Amid Conflict
The escalating conflict has heightened diplomatic tensions in the Great Lakes region, with concerns that the involvement of multiple national armies could spiral into a broader war.
Congo’s Foreign Minister, Therese Kayikwamba Wagner, sought to reassure that despite the recent tensions, the joint military operations between Uganda and Congo against the ADF were proceeding effectively.
The situation remains fluid, with diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further deterioration. However, Kainerugaba’s remarks have added fuel to an already volatile situation, raising questions about Uganda’s role in the broader conflict and its long-term intentions in eastern Congo.
