LOP demands gov't update on Uganda-DRC relations amid border tensions

The Leader of Opposition (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, has called on the government to provide an update on the state of Uganda’s borders and the welfare of Ugandans in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) as tensions intensify in the region.

Ssenyonyi highlighted that Uganda's ambassador to DRC has not been accredited for nearly four years, raising concerns about the diplomatic relations between the two nations.

“There is a brewing conflict in Eastern DRC, and Uganda, being a neighbouring country, must be concerned about the safety of its nationals in the region,"he said.

"The lack of an accredited Ugandan ambassador for nearly four years is troubling. It suggests a strained relationship, especially considering Uganda’s past actions in the DRC,” Ssenyonyi stated.

He also referenced Uganda's controversial involvement in past conflicts within DRC.

Uganda has been blamed for supporting M23 rebels, although the government has denied these accusations.

"These claims have persisted, and our troops remain stationed in DRC. Furthermore, Uganda’s raid on DRC years ago led to a costly legal battle, with Uganda still paying substantial financial penalties,” Ssenyonyi noted.

The LOP’s comments come at a critical time, as Uganda is also dealing with financial obligations tied to its strained relations with DRC.

The Ministry of Finance's 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper allocates Shs 287 billion for payment of court awards related to Uganda’s role in the past conflict.

Additionally, Auditor General Edward Akol revealed that Ugandan taxpayers will be required to pay Shs 7 billion for repairs to Uganda House in Kenya, which was damaged during the May 2024 protests.

Ssenyonyi has urged the government to provide more transparency, particularly regarding the safety of Ugandans in DRC and the ongoing instability in the region.

He emphasised the need for clear communication to safeguard Uganda’s national security.

Ibrahim Ssemujju ,MP Kira Municipality linked the recent burning of Uganda’s Embassy in DRC to what he termed the "reckless tongue" of the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), Muhoozi Kainerugaba.

Ssemujju accused Kainerugaba of supporting M23 and mocking DRC, actions he believes contributed to the embassy's destruction.

“The burning of our embassy I have raised concerns about the reckless conduct of our Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba. The other day, he spoke in support of M23, and we nearly faced expulsion from Congo. Can you ask the Ministry of Defence to explain? These incidents were bound to happen. When we warned about the CDF's behaviour, some MPs dismissed it, but now the consequences are clear,” Ssemujju said.

Ssemujju also pointed to Uganda's investments in infrastructure projects linking Uganda to Eastern DRC and the ongoing financial implications of the DRC gold theft case.

“We are paying nearly Shs 1 trillion to DRC for the theft of its gold. We have allocated funds for this in the budget, and I am requesting an update from the Minister for Regional Cooperation on these investments,” he added.