By Leonard Kamugisha Akida and Zawadi Nanyonga,
KAMPALA
The Ugandan government has been urged to withdraw its troops from the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and refocus on their primary mandate of protecting Uganda’s borders.
This call was made by Hon. Robert Centenary, the deputy president of the Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) in the Western Region, during a media briefing at the party’s headquarters in Najjanankumbi on Monday.
According to the FDC, the recent capture of Goma by M23 rebels and the continued presence of Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) in the DRC could further strain diplomatic relations between Uganda and its neighbor.
“Government must critically assess its involvement in the DRC to avoid fueling more resentment and a diplomatic fallout,” Centenary stated.
The FDC also reminded the government that Uganda is still paying war reparations amounting to $32.5 million to the DRC due to past military interventions. Centenary warned that keeping the UPDF in the DRC could lead to further financial and legal repercussions.
This call comes amid accusations by the Congolese government, led by President Félix Tshisekedi, against regional leaders, including Rwanda for allegedly supporting M23 rebels who continue to destabilize eastern DRC.
Additionally, a recent report by the UN Security Council implicated Uganda and veteran journalist Andrew Mwenda in supporting M23 activities. However, the Ugandan government has dismissed these allegations as baseless and false.
John Mulimba, Uganda’s Minister of State for Regional Affairs, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to resolving the crisis in the DRC and denied any involvement in the conflict.
Meanwhile, Centenary also condemned the recent attack on Uganda’s embassy in Kinshasa by Congolese protesters. He warned that such hostilities could escalate tensions, potentially leading to further strained diplomatic relations between the two nations.
