During the meeting, President Museveni highlighted the importance of strengthening security measures between Uganda and the DRC, a priority amid ongoing regional challenges.
“We discussed, among other issues, security between Uganda and DRC, regional security, and infrastructural developments, including key roads of mutual economic benefit,” Museveni stated.
Both leaders expressed a unified vision for the future, recognizing that the needs of the DRC closely align with those of Uganda.
“We are all in agreement that what Congo needs is what Uganda needs,” Museveni remarked.
The discussions also touched upon critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing economic ties and fostering stability in the region.
The two presidents underscored their commitment to working together to address common challenges and promote peace and development in their respective nations.
President Museveni thanked Tshisekedi for accepting his invitation to the meeting, signaling a positive step toward strengthening bilateral relations between Uganda and the DRC.
Earlier, Tshisekedi and his delegation had been welcomed by Ugandan Defense Minister Jacob Oboth-Oboth with expectations to discus the ongoing joint military operations between the DRC Armed Forces (FARDC) and the Uganda People’s Defense Forces (UPDF) against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a group linked to ISIS and accused of deadly violence in the North Kivu and Ituri provinces.
Since the launch of these operations in November 2021, the two armies report progress, including the neutralization of 52 ADF combatants and the capture of 72 others from April to September 2024, according to the spokesperson for the joint FARDC-UPDF operations, Colonel Mak Hazukay.
This mission takes place amidst a complex diplomatic climate, Although the DRC-Uganda military cooperation is considered crucial by Kinshasa to eradicate armed groups in the East, it is also criticized by some segments of Congolese civil society, which accuses Uganda of supporting M23 rebels.
However, President Tshisekedi confirmed the continued collaboration on October 12, following an operations review meeting in Kinshasa attended by the military leadership of both countries.
Despite diplomatic tensions, Kinshasa and Kampala appear determined to strengthen security ties to ensure stability in this troubled region. Tshisekedi and Museveni’s meeting comes only two weeks after a high-level meeting in Kinshasa to assess the effectiveness of their joint operations.
The Congolese Minister of Infrastructure, Alexis Gisaro, the FARDC Chief of General Staff, and other members of the Congolese delegation also participated in this mission, underscoring the importance the DRC places on this bilateral cooperation.
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