Uganda’s Muhoozi Kainerugaba Backs Tshisekedi, Rejects Kabila’s Return to DRC Leadership
Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, made headlines Friday after a bold public declaration opposing the return of former DRC President Joseph Kabila to power, while affirming strong support for current President Félix Tshisekedi.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Muhoozi stated, “I will not let Joseph Kabila become a President of DRC again! You can forget about that.” He further accused Kabila of allowing the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) — a rebel group with Ugandan origins — to establish a lasting foothold in eastern Congo during his presidency, frustrating Uganda’s counterterrorism efforts for nearly two decades.
Praising Tshisekedi for greater cooperation, Muhoozi said, “H.E. Tshisekedi is much better than him in that respect,” and added, “My big brother, H.E. Felix Tshisekedi, is President of DRC and I will support him as much as possible.”
Context Behind the Remarks
Muhoozi’s tweets came mere hours after a U.S.-brokered peace declaration was signed between Rwanda and DRC in Washington, witnessed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The agreement emphasizes sovereignty, mutual respect, and coordinated efforts to dismantle armed groups.
Uganda’s ties with the DRC have strengthened significantly over the past decade. In 2023 alone, Uganda exported goods worth over $500 million to DRC, with informal cross-border trade pushing the figure toward $700 million, according to the Bank of Uganda. Key exports include cement, petroleum, iron and steel, and foodstuffs.
The DRC’s admission into the East African Community (EAC) in 2022 further accelerated infrastructure projects, such as the Mpondwe One-Stop Border Post and several key road linkages into eastern Congo.
Maintaining regional stability is critical for Uganda’s economic interests and broader goals of regional integration.
Operation Shujaa and Tensions with Kabila
Under Tshisekedi’s leadership, Uganda launched Operation Shujaa, a joint offensive targeting ADF militants—something Kabila’s regime repeatedly blocked under the pretext of safeguarding Congolese sovereignty.
Moreover, Tshisekedi’s government has accused figures linked to Kabila of backing rebel groups like the M23 and the new Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), both responsible for destabilizing eastern Congo and jeopardizing regional trade routes.
Kabila, who recently resurfaced in Goma — an area dominated by AFC and M23 forces — hinted at his strong influence over the rebel-controlled territories, declaring he felt safer in Goma than elsewhere in DRC.
Strategic Implications for Uganda
Muhoozi’s forceful endorsement of Tshisekedi signals a clear strategic choice: Kampala prioritizes political stability, economic opportunity, and security cooperation with Tshisekedi’s government over any nostalgic or historical ties with Kabila.
A Kabila comeback could threaten Uganda’s burgeoning trade with eastern DRC, reignite insecurity along the border, and undo years of peacebuilding efforts.
By aligning with Tshisekedi, Uganda cements its role as a partner for peace and prosperity in the Great Lakes region — and as a critical stakeholder in the U.S.-led regional stability initiatives.
Beyond security, eastern Congo remains an underdeveloped yet highly promising market for Ugandan businesses in sectors like construction, energy, logistics, and agriculture.
Muhoozi’s blunt yet calculated comments reflect Kampala’s long-term vision: a stable, prosperous Congo led by credible partners will anchor Uganda’s growth and reinforce East Africa’s integration goals.
As the DRC heads toward its next elections, the stakes could not be higher — not just for Congolese citizens, but for the entire region.
