The Uganda Peoples Defense Forces (UPDF) have refuted allegations made in a report by the United Nations Group of Experts that Uganda supports the March 23 Movement (M23) rebels against the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) government.
The UN report, released last week, claims that Uganda provides sanctuary to M23 rebels and facilitates passage for Rwanda Defense Forces (RDF) soldiers to North Kivu province to fight alongside M23. It also alleges that Uganda allows UN-sanctioned M23 rebels to travel through Entebbe International Airport.
However, Deputy Army and Defence Spokesperson Lt. Col. Deo Akiiki described the report as unsubstantiated, biased, and uncorroborated. Akiiki emphasized that it would be illogical for Uganda to destabilize a region where it is actively working to establish peace. He highlighted Uganda’s recent deployment in North Kivu as part of the East African Community (EAC) regional force aimed at pursuing peace and combating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF).
In March 2022, M23, led by Bertrand Bisimwa and General Sultan Makenga, initiated conflict against the DRC government. The DRC government has repeatedly accused Rwanda of supporting M23, but both Rwanda and M23 deny these claims.
M23 asserts that they are fighting against corruption, xenophobia, and discrimination within the DRC leadership. In late 2023, Bisimwa stated that if M23 had support from Uganda and Rwanda, they would have reached the capital, Kinshasa, within two months.
Late last year, the DRC government declined to renew the mandate of EAC regional forces deployed in North Kivu, accusing them of failing to launch an assault on the rebels. These forces were replaced by troops under the Southern African Development Community (SADC). However, SADC efforts to dislodge M23 rebels from their positions in Rutshuru, Masisi, Nyiragongo, and Lubero territories have faced significant challenges.
