Uganda’s military leadership has taken a significant step towards addressing the persistent conflict in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) by engaging directly with local militia leaders. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the army chief and son of President Yoweri Museveni, convened a high-level meeting in Entebbe with representatives of the Lendu militia known as CODECO. This group has been involved in recurrent clashes with the Ugandan People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), underscoring the complex dynamics of power struggle in the mineral-rich region.
The UPDF issued a statement highlighting the meeting’s importance in promoting peace and stability in Eastern Congo. General Kainerugaba extended an invitation to the CODECO leaders to collaborate with the Ugandan military, emphasizing the need for unity in efforts to quell violence and foster harmony in the region. Given the backdrop of recent deadly confrontations, this initiative has been framed as a crucial element of broader regional peace efforts.
Despite its relatively low profile in the ongoing conflict, Uganda has maintained a military presence in the eastern part of the DR Congo. The area has been embroiled in turmoil, particularly following the resurgence of the M23 armed group that seized several strategic towns in the early months of the year. Analysts have noted that while this group is reportedly backed by Rwanda—a claim the Rwandan government denies—Uganda appears to be maneuvering its military strategy cautiously within the territorial affairs of its neighbor.
Since late 2021, Uganda has been actively involved in military operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel faction with origins in Uganda that has ties to the Islamic State. The UPDF’s ongoing operations against CODECO earlier this year resulted in claims of significant casualties among the militia fighters, illustrating the intensity of the conflict in the area.
An anonymous army source familiar with the discussions indicated that the recent interactions with CODECO were expected. This engagement could potentially serve as a strategic move targeting the ADF, signaling that similar dialogue and peace offerings may be available to them, should they cease their hostilities against Uganda. The source added that Uganda aims to reinforce its position in the eastern DR Congo, portraying its military presence as a peace initiative rather than one of aggression, with General Kainerugaba positioned as a key figure in this outreach.
As peace talks and military operations continue to unfold in this volatile region, the outcome of these discussions could have far-reaching implications for stability in both Uganda and the DRC, as well as the future of various armed groups vying for control.
