Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) Special Forces have entered Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province in eastern DR Congo fulfilling a promise made by Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
This was confirmed today by Andrew Mwenda who stated that Muhoozi personally informed him of the operation’s success.
The move marks a major escalation in Uganda’s military involvement in the volatile eastern Congo region raising questions about the mission’s objectives, regional security implications, and the response from the Congolese government.
Uganda has long been engaged in operations inside eastern DR Congo with the excuse of neutralizing the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) an extremist group linked to ISIS that has terrorized both Ugandan and Congolese territories.
However, the deployment of UPDF Special Forces deep into Congolese soil in a strategic provincial capital signals a shift from targeted counterterrorism to a broader military presence.
Gen. Muhoozi has repeatedly voiced his hardline stance against rebel activity in the Great Lakes region often taking to social media to hint at Uganda’s increasing role in regional security.
The Congolese government has previously expressed unease over foreign troop movements within its borders with tensions flaring over sovereignty and military jurisdiction.
Additionally, the deployment could lead to heightened friction between Uganda and Rwanda, as both nations have interests in eastern Congo and have been accused of backing rival factions in the region.
Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has increasingly positioned himself as the face of Uganda’s military interventions reinforcing speculation that his leadership ambitions extend beyond the army.
His ability to command elite troops into a foreign capital strengthens his reputation as a decisive and action-driven leader, but also raises concerns over Uganda’s long-term intentions in DR Congo.
