The Chief of Defense Forces of Uganda and Senior Presidential Advisor on Military Affairs, General Muhoozi Kainarugaba, has stated that he will never allow Joseph Kabila, the former President of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), to return to power.
In a firm message posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, General Muhoozi said: “I will not allow Joseph Kabila to become President of the DRC again. You must forget about that.”
This statement comes after Muhoozi accused Kabila of playing a significant role in destabilizing eastern Congo. Muhoozi claimed that during Kabila’s 17 years in power, he allowed the terrorist group ADF to settle and operate freely in eastern Congo, and obstructed cooperation between Congo and Ugandan forces in efforts to hunt down the militants.
Muhoozi stated: “During his time, he never once allowed our troops to cross into Congo to pursue these terrorist fighters. President Tshisekedi has surpassed him in that regard.”
These comments underscore General Muhoozi’s support for the current Congolese leadership under President Félix Tshisekedi. He made his stance clear, saying:
“My elder brother Félix Tshisekedi is the President of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and I will support him in every way possible.”
This development comes amid reports last week that Joseph Kabila had arrived in Goma, in North Kivu Province, eastern Congo. The rumors suggested that Kabila traveled from Harare, Zimbabwe, via Kigali, Rwanda, before reaching Goma. However, Kabila’s party, the “Parti du Peuple pour la Reconstruction et la Démocratie” (PPRD), strongly denied these claims, asserting that he had not traveled to Goma.
Last Friday, Joseph Kabila was seen publicly in Mbabane, Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), where he attended celebrations marking King Mswati III’s 56th birthday. This appearance was cited as evidence that he was not in Congo, countering earlier rumors.
General Muhoozi’ s statements have stirred significant debate among regional security analysts, as they touch on the delicate relations between Uganda and the DRC, and the broader security situation in eastern Congo, where numerous armed groups continue to cause instability.
Known for his bold and often politically charged remarks, Muhoozi’s declaration signals Uganda’s intent to continue supporting Tshisekedi’s government in its efforts to promote security and development in the region.
While some experts warn that this could worsen tensions between Uganda and factions loyal to Kabila, others see it as a strategic move to strengthen Uganda’s alliance with the current Congolese leadership, especially in the fight against armed groups like ADF that threaten peace across the Great Lakes region.
