The leadership of Kisoro District, led by LCV Chairperson Abel Bizimana, has called on President Yoweri Museveni to strengthen Uganda’s diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) ahead of his scheduled visit to the Kigezi region in early February.
This appeal comes just days before the President’s visit to Kigezi and follows recent unrest in Kinshasa, where protesters attacked Uganda’s embassy. In response to the security concerns, Uganda Airlines has temporarily suspended flights to Kinshasa.
Bizimana emphasized the need for stronger diplomatic ties with the DRC to facilitate the reopening of the Bunagana and Mupaka border points. He noted that restoring border trade would boost economic activity, attract investment, enhance economic stability, and improve Uganda’s access to international markets.
“As the President visits the Kigezi region, he should focus on stabilizing the situation at the DRC border because our international trade is currently restricted. Even the M23 rebels in Eastern Congo seem to want peace. Security-wise, Kisoro is stable, but our economy is suffering,” Bizimana stated.
Bizimana on Border Issues
Bizimana also expressed dissatisfaction with the ruling National Resistance Movement (NRM) government, accusing it of neglecting Kisoro’s development. He urged President Museveni to fulfill his longstanding pledges to the district, including establishing the Murora Model Sub-County, developing Kisoro’s tourism sector, constructing ring roads, building Matip Market, and implementing the Uganda Support to Municipal Infrastructure Development (USMID) program, among other promises.
“Kisoro has been neglected by the government, and we will not accept this in 2026. None of the President’s promises have been fulfilled. Since he is visiting Kigezi, he must address these issues if he wants success in the upcoming elections. He promised everything but delivered nothing.
I urge those close to the President to remind him that the people of Kisoro are still waiting for his pledges,” Bizimana said.
