Museveni urges stronger regional cooperation for eastern drc security

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently hosted Floribert Anzuluni, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration, at his Kisozi presidential farm, approximately 150 kilometers from Kampala. Minister Anzuluni conveyed a special message from President Félix Tshisekedi, arriving amidst heightened regional diplomatic engagements and ongoing clashes in the Eastern DRC between Congolese government forces and the AFC/M23 rebellion, which Kinshasa asserts is backed by Rwanda.

During their discussions, President Museveni reiterated Uganda’s firm commitment to continued collaboration with the DRC and other regional partners. This cooperation is vital, he emphasized, for effectively addressing the persistent security challenges plaguing the country’s eastern provinces.

“We delved into matters of mutual concern, particularly the security situation in the Eastern DRC. Peace and stability across our region are fundamental to the prosperity of our people, and we will maintain our collaborative efforts with regional partners to overcome the challenges confronting eastern Congo,” President Museveni stated on his official X account.

This latest high-level meeting follows President Tshisekedi’s official visit to Uganda on May 11 and 12, 2026. That earlier engagement focused on strengthening the multifaceted partnership between Kinshasa and Kampala. At President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s invitation, the two heads of state held a private discussion at State House Entebbe, culminating in the signing of six memoranda of understanding. These agreements were meticulously prepared and endorsed during the 9th session of the Permanent Joint Commission, which convened 15 government officials from both Congolese and Ugandan administrations.

The signed accords are designed to fortify economic integration between the two nations, fostering an environment of mutual prosperity while upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each. Key areas of these agreements include inter-state utilization of search and rescue (SAR) facilities and resources during peacetime, enhancing bilateral trade, fostering cooperation in public administration, advancing information and communication technologies, boosting export promotion, and developing the tourism sector.

Through these renewed commitments, Kinshasa aims to further solidify its strategic ties with Kampala within the crucial Great Lakes region. This diplomatic push occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between the DRC and Kigali, as the DRC continues to accuse Rwanda of providing support to the AFC/M23 rebellion in its eastern territories. Furthermore, these diplomatic dynamics unfold as various peace initiatives, notably those spearheaded in Washington and Doha, have yet to yield tangible on-the-ground results, despite some progress reported within negotiation frameworks.