The Leader of Opposition (LOP), Joel Ssenyonyi, has raised critical concerns over Uganda’s strained diplomatic relations with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) amidst increasing border tensions. Ssenyonyi specifically criticized the government’s failure to accredit a Ugandan ambassador to DRC for nearly four years, which he believes signals deteriorating relations between the two nations.
Ssenyonyi emphasized the need for the government to prioritize the safety of Ugandans living in the DRC, given the ongoing instability in the region. “There is a brewing conflict in Eastern DRC, and Uganda, being a neighbouring country, must be concerned about the safety of its nationals in the region,” he stated during a press briefing.
The opposition leader linked this diplomatic gap to Uganda’s controversial involvement in DRC’s internal conflicts, including allegations of supporting the M23 rebel group. Although the Ugandan government has consistently denied these accusations, such claims persist, further straining relations between the two countries.
Ssenyonyi also pointed out Uganda’s financial burdens stemming from its historical activities in DRC, notably the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) judgment that requires Uganda to pay reparations for its role in looting DRC’s resources during its military interventions. According to the Ministry of Finance’s 2025/26 Budget Framework Paper, Shs 287 billion has been allocated for these reparations.
The opposition leader called for a detailed government update on Uganda’s strategy for safeguarding its citizens in DRC and mitigating the diplomatic fallout. “The lack of transparency on this matter compromises our national security and puts our citizens at risk,” he warned.