The Uganda House in Kinshasa became a target during violent protests against the M23 rebel group’s capture of Goma, the largest city in Eastern DR Congo. Congolese citizens looted and set parts of the embassy ablaze.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kampala confirmed the breach, reporting that Uganda’s embassy was among several diplomatic missions targeted by angry mobs. However, it has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.
Ibrahim Ssemujju, the Kira Municipality Member of Parliament, has accused Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, Muhoozi Kainerugaba, of exacerbating tensions between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Ssemujju linked Kainerugaba’s controversial remarks in support of the M23 rebels to the recent burning of Uganda’s embassy in Kinshasa.
Ssemujju described Kainerugaba’s comments as reckless, arguing that they directly contributed to the worsening of Uganda’s already fragile diplomatic relationship with its neighbor. “The burning of our embassy was a direct result of the reckless actions of our Chief of Defence Forces,” Ssemujju said. “He spoke in support of the M23 rebels, and Uganda nearly faced expulsion from Congo. When we warned about the CDF’s behavior, some MPs dismissed it, but now the consequences are evident.”
The accusations come amid rising tensions in the region, particularly in Eastern DRC, where ongoing conflict continues to destabilize the area. Uganda has not had an accredited ambassador in the DRC for nearly four years, raising concerns over the safety of Ugandans living in the region and the state of diplomatic relations.
The Leader of Opposition, Joel Ssenyonyi, echoed these concerns, pointing out the serious implications of Uganda’s lack of representation in the DRC. “There is a brewing conflict in Eastern DRC, and Uganda, being a neighboring country, must be concerned about the safety of its nationals in the region. The absence of an accredited Ugandan ambassador for nearly four years is troubling,” Ssenyonyi stated.
Ssenyonyi also referenced Uganda’s past involvement in DRC conflicts, particularly accusations of supporting the M23 rebels, which the Ugandan government has denied despite ongoing claims. The tensions have been further complicated by Uganda’s continued military presence in the DRC and financial responsibilities resulting from past military actions, including significant court penalties.
With the diplomatic situation becoming increasingly strained, Ssenyonyi called for greater transparency from the Ugandan government regarding its position on the DRC conflict, as well as the safety of Ugandans in the region. He stressed the importance of clear communication on border security and the government’s plans for infrastructure investments in volatile Eastern DRC.
Adding to the pressure, Uganda faces significant financial obligations, including a Shs 287 billion allocation in the 2025/26 budget for court awards related to its involvement in past DRC conflicts, as well as a nearly Shs 1 trillion payment to DRC for the theft of gold.
As tensions between Uganda and the DRC escalate, the future of their relationship and the safety of Ugandans living within DRC’s borders remain uncertain. With diplomatic and financial challenges ahead, the government is under increasing pressure to provide answers and safeguard national interests.
