Muhoozi Sides with Tshisekedi Against Kabila’s Possible Return

Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, has made strong statements about the future leadership of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Speaking openly on social media, Muhoozi firmly declared that he would not allow Joseph Kabila to return as President of DRC.

“I will not let Joseph Kabila become a President of DRC again! You can forget about that,” Muhoozi posted on X (formerly Twitter), sending a clear warning to Kabila and his supporters.

Muhoozi’s Bold Support for Tshisekedi

In his posts, Muhoozi showed strong support for the current DRC President, Félix Tshisekedi, calling him a better partner for Uganda. He praised Tshisekedi for allowing Uganda to work together with Congolese forces against the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF)—a Ugandan rebel group that had been hiding in eastern Congo for nearly 17 years during Kabila’s rule.

“Kabila allowed ADF to subsist in Eastern DRC for 17 years. He never allowed us to take action against them. H.E. Tshisekedi is much better than him in that respect,” Muhoozi added. He also described Tshisekedi as his “big brother” and promised to support him fully.

These remarks came just hours after Rwanda and DRC signed a U.S.-mediated agreement in Washington, D.C., to promote peace, witnessed by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. The agreement focuses on respecting each country’s borders and removing armed groups from the region.

Why Uganda Cares About DRC’s Stability

Uganda’s interest in DRC goes beyond politics. The two countries share strong economic ties. In 2023, Uganda’s exports to DRC were valued at over $500 million, and informal trade pushed the figure closer to $700 million. Uganda sells goods like cement, iron products, food, and fuel to DRC.

Since DRC joined the East African Community (EAC) in 2022, trade between the two nations has grown even faster. Big projects like the Mpondwe One-Stop Border Post and new road links have made it easier to move goods between the two countries.

Keeping peace in eastern DRC is very important for Uganda’s economy. Stability ensures safe trade routes and encourages investments in areas like farming, construction, energy, and transport.

Kabila’s Shadow Over Eastern Congo

Joseph Kabila, who ruled DRC from 2001 to 2019 after his father Laurent Kabila’s death, still holds influence, even though he officially stepped down. Many reports say Kabila’s political allies are linked to rebel groups such as M23 and the newer Alliance Fleuve Congo (AFC), both accused of causing violence in eastern Congo.

President Tshisekedi last year openly accused Kabila of secretly leading the AFC, which has teamed up with M23 fighters. Kabila’s recent visit to Goma—a city under rebel control—raised even more concerns. He was quoted saying he felt "safer" in Goma than in other parts of DRC, hinting at his strong ties with the rebel groups there.

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If Kabila regains power, it could bring back violence along Uganda’s western border, damage trade, and undo recent security improvements.

Regional and International Impact

By publicly opposing Kabila and standing with Tshisekedi, Muhoozi sends a clear message: Uganda is choosing stability, stronger economic cooperation, and support for peace efforts led by countries like the United States.

Political experts believe Muhoozi’s direct language could influence relationships in the region. Jean-Claude Kasongo, a political analyst from DRC, said, “This is a serious matter. DRC is a sovereign country, and our leadership choices are for our people to decide, not foreigners.”

There has been no official response from the governments of Uganda or DRC yet, but many are watching closely to see what happens next. Some wonder whether Uganda’s government will fully back Muhoozi’s statements or take a softer approach.

As DRC prepares for its next political elections, the fight over who leads the country will have major effects across East and Central Africa. Uganda, by aligning with President Tshisekedi, is betting on a peaceful and cooperative future rather than risking another period of chaos linked to Kabila’s past rule.

Muhoozi’s loud and clear support for Tshisekedi shows Uganda’s focus on maintaining regional peace and protecting its growing economic interests in one of Africa’s most promising but unstable markets.