The Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) has dismissed recent reports implicating it in supporting the M23 rebels and other insurgent groups in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Deputy army spokesman Col Deo Akiiki denied the allegations, emphasizing the UPDF’s commitment to peacekeeping efforts in the region.
“This is not true,” Akiiki stated. “We should not have been operating in the DRC with the Congolese army (FARDC) against the ADF under Operation Shujaa, nor would we be part of the East African Regional Force ensuring peace in eastern DRC. Those raising these allegations must have ulterior motives, as these reports lack evidence and do not contribute to peace.”
Col. Akiiki pointed out that the UPDF’s ongoing collaboration with the Congolese army includes operations against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and infrastructure projects to improve trade between the two nations. He questioned the timing of these allegations, suggesting they aim to undermine the strong diplomatic ties between Uganda and the DRC.
The controversy follows a leaked UN panel of experts’ report accusing Uganda of clandestinely supporting the M23 rebels. The report named veteran Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwenda as an M23 “agent” in Kampala, alleging that the rebels contacted him in March for assistance with diplomatic negotiations in Kinshasa.
Uganda has participated in multiple peace efforts in the eastern DRC, contributing to the UN mission MONUSCO, the East African Community Regional Force (EACRF), and the ongoing Operation Shujaa with the FARDC. These initiatives aim to eliminate the ADF terrorists in the region.
The Ugandan Embassy in Kinshasa also refuted the allegations, describing them as “fabricated claims” and part of a pattern of misinformation targeting Uganda. ”
We categorically refute the latest claims that 5,500 Ugandan soldiers are supporting the M23 rebels in Rutshuru territory,” the statement read. “These recurrent and unverified media attacks raise serious concerns about a deliberate pattern of systematic misinformation or information warfare targeting Uganda.”
The UPDF remains committed to its operations in the DRC, focusing on peacekeeping and regional stability despite the ongoing allegations.
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