The Forum for Democratic Change (FDC) has urged President Yoweri Museveni to withdraw the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), citing concerns over escalating tensions and the need to prioritize national security.
While addressing journalists at the party headquarters in Najjanankumbi on February 3, 2025, FDC National Vice President Robert Centenary emphasized that Uganda must learn from past mistakes and avoid unnecessary involvement in foreign conflicts.
“We demand that President Museveni recall the UPDF from the DRC immediately. Our military’s primary responsibility is to safeguard Uganda’s territorial integrity, not engage in foreign military operations that may strain our diplomatic relations,” Centenary stated.
He condemned the recent attack on Uganda’s embassy in Kinshasa, arguing that it reflects growing hostility towards Uganda’s military presence in the DRC. He warned that continued deployment could worsen tensions between the two countries.
“The attack on our embassy is a clear indication that the people of DRC are not comfortable with our presence. If we do not act swiftly, the situation may escalate, leading to further diplomatic and security challenges,” he added.
Centenary also called for diplomatic engagement between DRC President Félix Tshisekedi and the M23 rebel group, emphasizing that military interventions alone cannot resolve the ongoing conflict in eastern Congo.
“We urge President Tshisekedi to initiate dialogue with M23 rebels to find a lasting solution to the crisis. Military solutions have their limits, and diplomacy remains the best path to sustainable peace,” he noted.
The UPDF has been conducting operations in the DRC since November 2021 as part of a joint mission with the Congolese military (FARDC) to eliminate the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a militant group responsible for attacks in both Uganda and Congo. Despite significant progress under Operation Shujaa, reports indicate that ADF fighters continue to adapt to military offensives, making the situation increasingly complex.
With tensions rising and calls for withdrawal growing louder, the Ugandan government faces a crucial decision on whether to extend its military engagement or pursue alternative strategies to maintain regional stability.