Lubero, Eastern DRC – Uganda’s Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba has firmly declared that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) will not withdraw from Lubero or any of the territories under its protection in Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
His statement comes amid rising regional tensions and growing speculation over Uganda’s military intentions in one of Africa’s most unstable conflict zones.
“I want to reassure our people in Eastern DRC, we have NO plans to withdraw from Lubero or any of the territories under our protection currently. Do not worry. UPDF is there to protect Ugandans and Congolese,” Muhoozi posted on X (Twitter).
The bold statement, made on Saturday morning is already making waves across diplomatic and political circles in Kampala, Kinshasa and beyond raising critical questions about Uganda’s military footprint, regional stability and the long-standing conflict in the eastern Congo.
Ugandan forces entered eastern Congo under a bilateral agreement with the Congolese government in 2021, initially under “Operation Shujaa” a joint effort aimed at flushing out the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group linked to terrorism and responsible for decades of civilian massacres in the region.
While initial deployments were widely welcomed by locals desperate for security, the length of Uganda’s stay, the shifting mission goals and the strategic occupation of territories like Lubero have triggered concerns of a silent occupation masked as peacekeeping.
Lubero is a mineral-rich, rebel-plagued region in North Kivu where multiple armed groups operate with impunity.
UPDF’s presence there is both militarily strategic and politically sensitive. Sources on the ground say Uganda’s forces have constructed semi-permanent bases, restored local order in some areas and even begun coordinating with Congolese militias opposed to ADF and M23 rebels.
Yet, critics argue that Uganda’s deeper entrenchment could escalate regional competition, especially with Rwanda whose own military interests in eastern Congo have repeatedly clashed directly and indirectly with Uganda’s.
Muhoozi’s post appears designed to calm anxieties among civilians in Lubero, many of whom have reportedly expressed fears over a possible UPDF pullout amid renewed rebel activity. But it also sends a loud signal to regional actors and international observers that Uganda is not budging at least not any time soon.
“UPDF is there to protect Ugandans and Congolese,” he reiterated, blurring the lines between national security, regional solidarity and geopolitical influence.
Muhoozi’s direct communication style often blending military policy with political commentary has earned him both fervent support and harsh criticism. Known for controversial tweets that spark diplomatic reactions, his role has become increasingly central to Uganda’s military diplomacy and future leadership speculation.
While the Congolese government has remained largely silent on Muhoozi’s latest remarks, sources within North Kivu’s civil society say communities are relieved about the continued UPDF presence.
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