The Leader of Opposition in Parliament, Joel Ssenyonyi together with other members of opposition party have tasked the government to explain the attack on Uganda’s Embassy during the ongoing protests in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Ssenyonyi, speaking during plenary session on January 28, 2025 chaired by the Deputy Speaker of Parliament, Thomas Tayebwa, questioned the state of Uganda’s relationship with the DRC.
“DRC is our neighbour, and there are many Ugandans there. What is happening is a great concern for us as a country. For about four years, Uganda’s Ambassador to DRC has not been accredited,” Ssenyonyi said.
Ssenyonyi voiced concerns over the ongoing conflict between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army, backed by UN peacekeepers, emphasizing the need for the government to address the situation urgently
The opposition’s statements follow images circulating on media platforms showing Congolese protesters who stormed Uganda’s embassy and vandalized property and are seen burning Uganda’s flag.
The incident has been linked to the capture of Goma, the largest city in eastern DRC, by the Tutsi-led M23 rebels on Monday, January 26, 2025.
Ssenyonyi condemned the disparity in visa policies, emphasizing that while Uganda waived visa fees for DRC citizens under the East African Community Treaty, the DRC has not reciprocated.
“What kind of relationship do we have with the DRC? And now, with the ongoing armed conflict, we need an update from the government, especially on what is happening along our borders and the status of Ugandans trapped by the conflict,” Ssenyonyi said.
Ssenyonyi cited allegations of Uganda’s support for M23 rebels, a claim previously denied by the government but frequently brought up in international circles. He reminded Parliament that Uganda is still paying reparations to the DRC following a court ruling over resource exploitation.
Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, MP for Kira Municipality, criticized the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) for allegedly making inflammatory remarks about the M23 rebels, which he argued may have contributed to the attack on the embassy.
Kalungu West MP, Joseph Gonzaga Ssewungu, urged Uganda Airlines to revise its flight routes to the DRC, citing the volatile security situation.
In response, Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa assured the House that he had engaged the Minister of State for Regional Cooperation, John Mulimba, who requested space on the Order Paper to present a statement on the matter.
“Our embassy was burnt; it is on fire. I have instructed the Minister to crosscheck with me this evening so we can consider accommodating his statement tomorrow, January 29, 2025,” Tayebwa said.
The developments have raised concerns over Uganda’s diplomatic standing with the DRC and the safety of its citizens and investments in the region. Parliament awaits the government’s response to address these pressing issues.
