Okello Oryem: Kagame Lying About Uganda's Support for M23

Uganda has denied accusations made by Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who recently claimed that Uganda is more responsible for supporting the M23 rebels in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) than Rwanda.

Uganda’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Henry Okello Oryem, addressed these claims during a Monday morning interview on CBS radio at 9 o’clock. He strongly refuted the allegations, describing them as misleading and baseless.

President Kagame, during a press conference last week, argued that the M23 rebels causing instability in the DRC primarily originated from Uganda.

 He stated that Rwanda initially hosted 500-600 M23 members as refugees, who were later disarmed and connected with Congolese authorities for peace talks. Kagame insisted that the larger group of rebels causing trouble in the DRC had come from Uganda.

Responding to these remarks, Okello Oryem said he was yet to confirm the exact statements made by Kagame but dismissed the allegations as deceptive.

 He emphasized that Uganda has always supported efforts to bring peace to the DRC and has never engaged in activities that would export violence to another nation.

 Uganda, he added, has consistently urged DRC President Felix Tshisekedi to pursue dialogue with rebel groups instead of relying on armed confrontation.

Oryem also highlighted the ongoing peace negotiations facilitated by former Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta and Angola’s President. He accused Rwanda of hindering progress in these talks by avoiding participation in the Luanda peace sessions. Rwanda’s absence, he argued, has stalled meaningful