Summary

• Uganda refutes allegations of supporting M23 rebels in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) conflict, denying involvement in internal conflicts unless part of a regional peace effort. Social media rumors fueling the claims have been dismissed by the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and the Ugandan embassy in Kinshasa.

Ugandan authorities have firmly rejected accusations linking Kampala to support for the M23 rebels in the ongoing conflict in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). These claims, predominantly circulating on social media platforms within the DRC, have been exacerbated by certain politicians.

Civil society figures and former ministers have echoed these rumors, alleging that the Ugandan military is engaging in a duplicitous role. They suggest that while Uganda supports the DRC army against the Allied Democratic Forces, it simultaneously aids the M23 rebels.

The Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) issued a statement emphasizing its non-involvement in internal conflicts unless part of a regional peace initiative. The UPDF rebutted claims made by Mr. Jules Mulumba regarding UPDF presence in Rutshuru, North Kivu, clarifying that images used by Mulumba were from a previous deployment of Ugandan troops as part of the East African Community Regional Force.

The East African regional force, which included Ugandan troops, had been deployed in the DRC in late 2022 but withdrew in December 2023.

The Ugandan embassy in Kinshasa released further details, categorically denying claims of 5,500 Ugandan soldiers supporting M23 rebels in Rutshuru territory. These denials follow similar accusations in September 2023 regarding border markers near Busanza, emphasizing a pattern of misinformation aimed at Uganda.

Ugandan officials perceive such actions as deliberate attempts to undermine relations between Uganda and the DRC. The UPDF respects the DRC’s borders and territorial integrity, conducting cross-border operations only through official channels with the DRC government’s consent.

In the wider context, some civil society groups have accused Uganda and Rwanda of backing rebel factions in the DRC’s eastern conflict. However, in July 2022, Congolese authorities sought Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni’s involvement in resolving the Great Lakes conflict, acknowledging Uganda’s potential role in finding solutions to regional instability.