NAIROBI, Feb 15 – Tensions between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) escalated on Saturday after Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, issued a stark warning regarding the town of Bunia. In a post on social media, Kainerugaba declared that unless “all forces” in Bunia surrendered their arms within 24 hours, he would order an attack.
The general, who is the son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, claimed he was acting under the president’s authority. His remarks, however, have sparked widespread concern about the possibility of Uganda deepening its involvement in the already volatile situation in eastern Congo.
A Ugandan military spokesperson declined to comment on Kainerugaba’s statement, leaving many questions unanswered about whether his threat represents an official government position or a personal stance.
Ethnic Allegations Fuel Tensions
Kainerugaba’s threat was accompanied by allegations that members of the Bahima ethnic group were being targeted in eastern Congo. Without providing evidence, he claimed that those attacking his people would face severe consequences.
“My people, the Bahima, are under attack. That is an extremely dangerous situation for those responsible. No one can harm my people and expect to go unpunished,” he wrote online.
In a separate statement, he asserted that Ugandan forces would soon take control of Bunia, referring to the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF).
Fear of Wider Regional Conflict
The general’s remarks have heightened concerns that ongoing clashes in eastern Congo could spiral into a broader regional conflict. The DRC has struggled with armed rebel groups for decades, and the presence of multiple foreign-linked militias has made the situation even more complex.
Fears of escalation intensified after reports surfaced that M23 rebels had taken control of key cities in the region. On Friday, a leader of the M23 movement claimed that its fighters had entered Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern DRC, following their capture of Goma in late January.
Uganda has had a military presence in eastern Congo for some time. Officially, its troops were deployed to help Congolese forces combat Islamist militants. However, reports suggest that Uganda has sent over 1,000 additional troops into the region in recent weeks, raising questions about its broader intentions.
Uganda’s Alleged Links to M23 Rebels
Uganda has been accused by independent analysts of supporting M23, a predominantly ethnic Tutsi rebel group that has been fighting the Congolese government. These allegations have been denied by Ugandan officials, but Kainerugaba has previously made statements in favor of M23.
His relationship with Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame has also come under scrutiny. Rwanda has repeatedly been accused of backing M23, although Kagame has denied these claims. In 2022, Kainerugaba referred to M23 fighters as “brothers” and suggested they were fighting for the rights of the Tutsi people in Congo.
Silence from Congolese Officials
The Congolese government has not yet responded to Kainerugaba’s latest remarks. Minister of Communication Patrick Muyaya and a spokesperson for the Congolese army have remained silent, leaving it unclear whether Kinshasa considers the Ugandan general’s threats credible.
The DRC has previously accused its neighbors of interfering in its affairs, particularly in the eastern regions where conflict has raged for years. With multiple countries suspected of backing different armed groups, the risk of a full-scale regional war remains high.
A History of Controversial Statements
Kainerugaba is no stranger to controversy. His public statements on social media have frequently drawn criticism, both within Uganda and internationally.
In 2022, he caused a diplomatic stir by threatening to invade Kenya, prompting Ugandan authorities to distance themselves from his remarks. More recently, he made headlines again when he threatened Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine, saying he wanted to “behead” him. He later apologized for the comment.
Despite these controversies, Kainerugaba remains a dominant figure in Uganda’s military and is widely believed to be a potential successor to his father.
The Uncertain Road Ahead
As tensions simmer, it remains to be seen whether Kainerugaba’s threats will translate into direct military action in Bunia. Uganda’s past involvement in eastern Congo has often led to strained relations between the two countries, and any escalation now could further destabilize the region.
International observers have long called for diplomatic solutions to the conflict in eastern Congo rather than military interventions. Whether those calls will be heeded in the coming days remains uncertain.
For now, the people of Bunia find themselves in a precarious situation, caught between armed groups, government forces, and the looming threat of foreign military involvement.