Gen Muhoozi Meets President Tshisekedi to Bolster Uganda-DR Congo Security Ties

KINSHASA, DRC  — Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has concluded a high-level working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where he held talks with President Félix Tshisekedi and senior military officials to reinforce bilateral security cooperation and assess progress in joint counter-terrorism operations.

The visit marked a significant boost to the strategic partnership between Kampala and Kinshasa, particularly in the context of Operation Shujaa, a joint UPDF-FARDC offensive launched in 2021 to dismantle the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) insurgency in eastern DRC.

General Kainerugaba’s delegation met with the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC), Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe, at military headquarters in Kinshasa.

The two commanders reviewed the operational progress of Operation Shujaa and signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing joint efforts in counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and border security.

Later, Gen Kainerugaba was hosted at Palais de la Nation (State House) for a bilateral meeting with President Tshisekedi. The DRC leader commended the UPDF’s crucial role in stabilising eastern regions and welcomed Uganda’s continued commitment to peace and regional cooperation.

“Your efforts have made it possible for displaced people to return home and for normal life to resume in areas once terrorised by the ADF,” President Tshisekedi said.

Gen Kainerugaba reaffirmed Uganda’s commitment to regional stability: “We remain steadfast partners in promoting peace and fighting terrorism. Our shared security depends on continued collaboration.”

As part of the diplomatic visit, Lt Gen Mwilambwe hosted a formal dinner in Gen Kainerugaba’s honour, attended by senior Congolese military commanders and government officials. The evening featured cultural performances, including Lingala music and tributes sung in honour of Gen Kainerugaba, reflecting the warmth of Uganda-DRC relations.

The Ugandan General was later seen off at N’djili International Airport by his Congolese counterpart and senior officials, concluding a mission that underlines Kampala’s growing military diplomacy across the continent.

This visit adds to Gen Kainerugaba’s recent engagements with African leaders as he champions Uganda’s role in fostering peace, security, and development within the Great Lakes and East African regions.