General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has concluded a significant working visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which began on Friday, June 20, 2025. The tour underscored the deepening security and economic cooperation between the two East African nations.
The visit culminated in a high-level meeting on Saturday, June 21, between General Muhoozi and DRC President Félix Tshisekedi at the Palais de la Nation (State House). President Tshisekedi warmly commended Uganda’s invaluable contributions to regional security, particularly through Operation Shujaa.
This joint UPDF-FARDC offensive, launched in 2021, has been instrumental in combating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) and restoring peace in several areas of eastern DRC. Participants in the talks widely appreciated the Ugandan forces’ role in stabilizing these previously volatile regions, enabling the return of displaced communities and the resumption of normal life.
During his tour, General Muhoozi held extensive discussions with his Congolese counterpart, Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe, Chief of General Staff of the Armed Forces of the DRC (FARDC). These high-level talks, which took place before the meeting with President Tshisekedi, focused on reviewing the progress of Operation Shujaa and strategizing for continued joint efforts.
The discussions led to the signing of a crucial Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance defense collaboration between the FARDC and UPDF, solidifying their commitment to counter-terrorism, intelligence sharing, and border security. This MoU also signifies an extension of the Operation Shujaa mandate, ensuring continued joint operations against the ADF and other armed groups in North Kivu and Ituri.
General Muhoozi reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to assisting the DRC in security matters to bolster stability across the region. Beyond military collaboration, the visit also highlighted Uganda’s pledge to support the DRC in infrastructure development. Uganda is set to assist in the construction of key roads connecting the two countries, including the Mpondwe/Kasindi-Beni, Beni-Butembo, and Bunagana-Rutshuru-Goma routes.
This initiative is aimed at significantly boosting trade, economic development, and connectivity between Uganda and the DRC. Recent reports indicate renewed political will and efforts to overcome previous challenges, such as financing and security concerns, in these critical road projects.
General Muhoozi was seen off at N’djili International Airport by Lieutenant General Jules Banza Mwilambwe and other senior Congolese officials, marking the successful conclusion of a visit that reinforces the growing strategic partnership between Kampala and Kinshasa for the peace and prosperity of the Great Lakes region
