Nairobi, Kenya –
The Chief of Defense Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, arrived in Nairobi this morning to participate in a high-level meeting of East African Community (EAC) military chiefs. The gathering aims to address the escalating conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which poses a serious threat to regional stability.
Gen. Kainerugaba is accompanied by Major General James Birungi, Chief of Defense Intelligence and Security, along with other senior UPDF officials. The meeting brings together defense chiefs from Uganda, Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, the DRC, South Sudan, and Somalia, to develop strategies for restoring peace and security in the region.
In his remarks, Gen. Kainerugaba emphasized the need for collective action to tackle regional security challenges.
“Our joint focus on the security situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo reflects the cooperative spirit that unites the East African Community,” he stated.
Regional Efforts to Address the DRC Crisis
The meeting follows directives from the Joint EAC-SADC Heads of State Summit, held on February 8, 2025, in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. During the summit, regional leaders tasked defense chiefs with developing technical strategies to resolve the crisis in eastern DRC, where the M23 rebel group has captured key cities, including Goma and Bukavu.
Eastern DRC has been a long-standing conflict zone, with multiple armed groups—including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—fueling instability. Originally formed in Uganda, the ADF remains a persistent threat despite ongoing military operations by the UPDF and the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of Congo (FARDC).
According to UPDF intelligence, the ADF’s operational capacity has been significantly degraded, leaving only scattered remnants in the dense forests of the DRC.
UPDF’s Strategic Milestone in Ituri Province
In a related development, the UPDF recently entered Bunia, the capital of Ituri Province, in a coordinated operation with the FARDC. The move was met with widespread approval from local residents, who have endured years of violence and insecurity.
A Critical Step Towards Regional Peace
The Nairobi meeting marks a crucial step in strengthening regional cooperation to address the DRC crisis. As military leaders deliberate, the focus remains on:
Dismantling rebel groups Restoring security in eastern DRC Paving the way for lasting peace in the region
With escalating tensions and humanitarian concerns, the decisions made in Nairobi could shape the future of stability in the Great Lakes region.