Tensions are rising between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) after Ugandan authorities unexpectedly reopened the Bunagana and Ishasa border crossings on Thursday, July 10, without coordinating with officials in Kinshasa.
The decision has drawn concern from the Congolese government, especially given that Bunagana—linking Uganda’s Kisoro District and DRC’s Rutshuru Territory—remains under the control of the M23/AFC rebel alliance since mid-2022.
In response, North Kivu’s Governor, General Evariste Kakule Somo, summoned Uganda’s consul in the region, Isingoma Isimererwa, for a meeting in Beni on Saturday, July 12, to demand an explanation for the move.
Following the meeting, Consul Isimererwa called for restraint and emphasized that an official statement from Kampala would be released soon. He criticized the spread of speculation on social media, saying, “A responsible government does not use social networks to communicate official policy.”
He reaffirmed Uganda’s recognition of the DRC government based in Kinshasa, as well as the North Kivu provincial administration currently operating out of Beni.
The decision to reopen the border without Congolese participation has raised eyebrows in Kinshasa. During a cabinet session held Friday, July 11, the Council of Ministers directed the Minister of State for Foreign Affairs to urgently seek clarification from Uganda over the matter.
While the reopening may ease cross-border trade and movement, its location in a rebel-controlled zone has sparked fears it could be interpreted as legitimizing the M23/AFC’s presence in eastern Congo. Analysts warn this could complicate ongoing peace negotiations between the DRC government and the rebel coalition, which are being closely watched by international mediators.
So far, Kinshasa has not issued an official public response, but diplomatic sources suggest mounting pressure on Kampala to justify its actions and reaffirm respect for Congolese sovereignty.