President Yoweri Museveni has doubled down on Uganda’s dedication to regional stability following crucial talks with Hon. Mbusa Nyamwisi, Butembo’s representative in North Kivu Province.
Their high-stakes meeting centered on Eastern DR Congo’s deteriorating security situation.
“Yesterday, I met with Hon. Mbusa Nyamwisi, the Member of Parliament for Butembo in North Kivu Province, DRC,” President Museveni shared on his X platform. “We discussed the security situation in Eastern Congo and explored ways to achieve peace for the benefit of our People. I welcome him.”
The timing couldn’t be more significant. Eastern Congo continues to grapple with relentless violence from numerous armed factions, creating instability that reverberates throughout the Great Lakes Region.
Uganda’s involvement in Congo’s security matters isn’t new. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) have been conducting targeted operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a terrorist organization responsible for atrocities on both sides of the Uganda-DRC border.
Clarifying Uganda’s Military Role
President Museveni recently addressed misconceptions about Uganda’s military presence in Congo.
He emphatically denied allegations that Ugandan forces were deployed against M23 rebels, stating that UPDF operations focus exclusively on countering ADF terrorists and protecting critical infrastructure projects.
This clarification comes amid complex regional dynamics where multiple stakeholders have varying interests in Eastern Congo’s future.
Related: Uganda Airlines Halts Flights to Kinshasa Amid M23 Tensions
Strengthening Cross-Border Cooperation
Hon. Nyamwisi’s visit represents more than routine diplomacy. As a seasoned Congolese politician with intimate knowledge of North Kivu’s security landscape, his engagement with Museveni signals a pragmatic approach to tackling shared regional challenges.
The relationship between Uganda and DRC encompasses several dimensions:
- Joint military operations against terrorist groups
- Infrastructure development initiatives across borders
- Trade partnerships through EAC frameworks
- Diplomatic coordination on regional security matters
Museveni has consistently championed African-led solutions to the continent’s security challenges.
His engagement with Congolese leadership aligns with this philosophy, positioning Uganda as a key player in stabilization efforts.
Yesterday, I met with Hon. Mbusa Nyamwisi, the Member of Parliament for Butembo in North Kivu Province, DRC. We discussed the security situation in Eastern Congo and explored ways to achieve peace for the benefit of our People. I welcome him.
— Yoweri K Museveni (@KagutaMuseveni) February 24, 2025
Looking Forward
The Museveni-Nyamwisi talks could potentially reshape security arrangements in Eastern Congo.
With Uganda already maintaining military presence in the region, enhanced coordination with local leadership in North Kivu could strengthen effectiveness against armed groups.
For communities in Eastern Congo, any progress toward peace carries immense significance. Years of conflict have devastated infrastructure, displaced communities, and hampered development efforts throughout the mineral-rich region.
As regional powers continue engaging on Congo’s security challenges, the international community watches closely.
The outcome of these discussions could determine whether Eastern Congo finally finds a path toward sustainable peace or continues facing cycles of violence.
