The Chief of Defence forces (CDF) General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has unleashed a series of fiery tweets targeting former Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Joseph Kabila, while pledging unwavering support to the current leader, Felix Tshisekedi.
Gen. Muhoozi accused Kabila of deliberately allowing the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) an armed group responsible for countless atrocities to operate freely in eastern DRC for nearly two decades.
“Kabila allowed ADF to subsist in Eastern DRC for 17 years. He never allowed us to take action against them. H.E. Tshisekedi is much better than him in that respect,” Muhoozi tweeted.
If that wasn’t enough to stir controversy, Muhoozi, known for his forthright and often provocative online presence doubled down with another punch.
“I will not let Joseph Kabila become a President of DRC again! You can forget about that.”
He went on to refer to President Felix Tshisekedi as his “big brother”, affirming:
“My big brother, H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, is President of DRC and I will support him as much as possible.”
The timing of Muhoozi’s comments is no coincidence. They come as the DRC grapples with ongoing instability particularly in its eastern regions and fresh peace efforts are being negotiated in Qatar between the Congolese government and M23 rebels.
Uganda, a major regional player, shares not only a border with DRC but also deep historical ties and tensions rooted in security, rebel groups and mineral interests.
Muhoozi’s public alignment with Tshisekedi could be seen as Kampala positioning itself more firmly behind the current Congolese leadership distancing itself from any actors or narratives sympathetic to Kabila’s long rule from 2001 to 2019.
While Muhoozi didn’t elaborate on why he personally opposes Kabila’s potential political resurgence, the message is clear; he views Kabila’s leadership as toxic to regional security.
Kabila, who led the DRC through some of its most violent years is said have been in recent months eyeing a political comeback.
However in African politics, where personal alliances and enmities often drive foreign policy as much as formal agreements, Muhoozi’s words are likely to be interpreted as Uganda throwing its full weight behind Tshisekedi’s continued presidency.
The ADF, an armed rebel group originating in Uganda has wreaked havoc in eastern DRC for decades, slaughtering civilians and attacking security forces. Uganda has repeatedly accused DRC governments particularly under Kabila of turning a blind eye to the group’s activities.
In contrast, under Tshisekedi, Uganda was invited in 2021 to launch joint military operations against ADF hideouts in North Kivu and Ituri provinces signaling a rare moment of bilateral military cooperation.
Today’s tweets suggest that Muhoozi sees Tshisekedi’s cooperation not just as tactical, but personal and worth defending against any future political changes in Kinshasa.
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