Uganda Has No Hand In The Ongoing Conflict – Minister Mulimba

The Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, John Mulimba, has assured Parliament that no staff members of Uganda’s Embassy in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) were harmed during an attack in Kinshasa yesterday. He reaffirmed that the government continues to monitor the situation closely.

Speaking in Parliament today, Mulimba emphasized that Uganda has no involvement in the ongoing conflict in DRC and that President Yoweri Museveni has expressed readiness to participate in regional peace talks to help bring an end to the unrest.

M23 Rebels Seize Goma

On Monday, January 27, 2025, the M23 rebel group announced that it had captured Goma, intensifying clashes with the Armed Forces of DRC (FARDC) despite ongoing mediation efforts. The situation has raised concerns about regional stability.

Uganda’s Position on the Conflict

While addressing Parliament, Minister Mulimba reiterated Uganda’s neutral stance on the matter and stated that diplomatic efforts are underway to restore peace in DRC.

"President Museveni has expressed his willingness to participate in regional peace talks to help resolve the crisis," Mulimba stated.

He also defended the suspension of Uganda Airlines flights to DRC, explaining that the decision was necessary for security reasons as authorities work on practical ways to provide consular emergency services to Ugandan nationals in the affected areas.

Opposition Criticism

However, Leader of the Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, criticized the Minister’s statement, arguing that it failed to address key diplomatic issues, particularly DRC’s refusal to accredit Uganda’s Ambassador to DRC, Farid Kaliisa, despite his appointment four years ago.

"The Minister’s statement does not explain why DRC has failed to recognize our ambassador. This raises serious concerns about Uganda’s diplomatic standing in the region," Ssenyonyi said.

UPDF on High Alert

As concerns grow over the impact of the conflict, the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) has assured the public of its readiness to protect Uganda’s borders and respond to any potential threats.

Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye, the Acting Major-General of the UPDF, stated that the army is prepared to rescue Ugandans in DRC if necessary.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and remain ready to act if called upon," Kulayigye said.

Conflict Enters Day Three

Today marks the third day of intensified fighting, following M23’s capture of Goma, a key city in eastern DRC. The escalating violence continues to raise humanitarian and security concerns in the region.