United States President Donald Trump has directed the Uganda’s military to withdraw immediately from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), halting a controversial military operation near Kisangani.
The announcement was made on Thursday, April 10, by Uganda’s Military Chief, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba.
He confirmed that the directive to end Uganda’s military activities in eastern DRC came directly from Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni, in close consultation with President Trump.
“Under the orders of my great father, President Kaguta Museveni, and my hero, President Donald Trump, I have decided to suspend our operation to capture Kisangani,” Muhoozi stated. “It is extremely painful for me. I have never failed to achieve a military objective in my life.”
Uganda’s Military Ambitions in DR Congo Halted
Prior to the withdrawal order, Ugandan forces had been making significant advances toward the strategic city of Kisangani.
Muhoozi had previously threatened that either the Uganda People’s Defence Force (UPDF) or the M23 rebel group would reach the city within a week.
“Our people of Kisangani, we are coming to rescue you. God’s Army is coming!” he declared on March 23. “In one week, either M23 or UPDF will be in Kisangani. By order of Yoweri Museveni!”
Kisangani is a vital commercial hub and a key transport intersection where three rivers meet, providing a crucial link between eastern DRC and the capital, Kinshasa.
Witchdoctor Executions and Ethnic Claims
Muhoozi has also drawn international attention for his controversial remarks and actions in the region.
On March 31, he claimed that he had begun executing “witchdoctors” in the Ituri province, alleging they were part of the armed militia group CODECO.
“God ordered me to protect my entire tribe, the Bachwezi… We shall also arrest all those who committed massacres against our people,” Muhoozi declared.
U.S. and Kenyan Officials Discuss DRC Crisis
As tensions escalate in eastern DRC, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Kenyan President William Ruto held a phone call on February 21, 2025, to address the worsening conflict. According to State Department Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, both leaders called for a peaceful, diplomatic solution to the crisis.
“They emphasised that the conflict cannot be resolved through military means and urged an immediate ceasefire,” Bruce noted.
The conversation followed Kenya’s travel advisory warning its citizens against non-essential travel to DRC amid the growing instability.
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