On July 12, during a Cabinet meeting chaired by President Félix Tshisekedi, Deputy Prime Minister in charge of Defence, Guy Kabongo, reported that M23 rebels were "forcibly recruiting young people” and receiving "continuous reinforcements of personnel and equipment" from Rwanda and Uganda.

This marked the first time in recent years that the Congolese government directly accused Uganda of supporting M23. Previously, only National Assembly Speaker Vital Kamerhe had labeled Uganda as an "aggressor" without government backing.

The accusation came just four days after a United Nations Group of Experts report implicated Uganda in the ongoing conflict in eastern DRC. The Uganda People’s Defence Forces quickly rejected these allegations.

Military experts in the DRC, like Nicaise Kibel Bel, noted that Uganda has been involved in the region since the 1990s alongside Rwanda. He warned against an open conflict, deeming it costly and complex for both nations.

Government Spokesman Patrick Muyaya highlighted the duality of Uganda's involvement, noting that Ugandan soldiers are fighting alongside Congolese forces against the ADF rebels in Ituri and North Kivu.

Since November 30, 2021, both armies have been conducting joint operations against the ADF, a rebel group with roots in Uganda. Ugandan army spokesman Brigadier-General Félix Kulayigye dismissed the UN report, emphasizing that Uganda hosts refugees in line with UN policy and does not support M23.

This delicate situation underscores the DRC's cautious approach to its relationship with Uganda amid ongoing regional tensions.