The Democratic Republic of Congo has rejected calls from the Ugandan military to remove the current military governor of Ituri province, a move that underscores growing tensions between Kinshasa and Kampala over security arrangements in the country’s troubled eastern region.
The decision, made under the administration of President Félix Tshisekedi, signals the Congolese government’s determination to maintain control over internal security appointments and resist external pressure regarding governance in Ituri.
Located in northeastern DRC along the border with Uganda, Ituri province has been a hotspot for violence for decades. The region has experienced repeated clashes between armed groups and ethnic militias, particularly involving the Hema and Lendu communities. Rebel organizations, including factions linked to the Allied Democratic Forces, have also operated in the area, contributing to persistent instability.
In May 2021, the Congolese government introduced a state of siege in Ituri and neighboring North Kivu. The emergency measure replaced civilian leadership with military administration in an effort to strengthen security operations and restore order. As part of this arrangement, Lieutenant General Johnny Luboya Nkashama was appointed as military governor of Ituri and continues to hold the position.
Recent developments have intensified the dispute between the two countries. On March 4, 2026, the Ituri administration issued an order restricting the movement of Ugandan People’s Defence Forces through certain border crossing points, including Anzida and Karombo. The directive was seen as an attempt by Congolese authorities to reinforce national sovereignty and control over military activity within the province.
Ugandan troops have been present in parts of eastern DRC since late 2021 and early 2022. Their deployment was initially authorized by President Tshisekedi to support joint operations against the Allied Democratic Forces, a rebel group accused of carrying out attacks in both Uganda and the DRC.
However, relations between the two governments have become increasingly strained. Officials in Kinshasa have raised concerns that Uganda’s military presence may be expanding beyond the original scope of the joint security mission. Congolese authorities have also expressed unease about what they view as growing foreign influence in areas that are strategically and economically important.
From Uganda’s perspective, security threats in eastern Congo remain a serious concern. Kampala has argued that armed groups operating near the border pose risks that can easily spill into Ugandan territory, making continued security cooperation necessary.
The disagreement over the Ituri governorship highlights the broader complexity of regional politics in eastern DRC. The area remains volatile not only because of local militias but also due to overlapping regional interests involving neighboring countries.
In nearby provinces, the resurgence of the M23 rebel movement has added another layer of tension, with international reports frequently linking the group to external support. At the same time, diplomatic efforts such as the Luanda Process continue to seek solutions through regional dialogue and mediation.
For the Congolese government, maintaining Lieutenant General Luboya in office appears to be part of a wider effort to reinforce sovereignty and assert greater control over security management in the east.
While cooperation between Uganda and the DRC continues in areas such as countering the Allied Democratic Forces, the latest dispute illustrates the fragile nature of that partnership. Competition for influence in border regions rich in natural resources and strategic value continues to shape relations between the two neighbors.
For now, Kinshasa’s firm stance sends a clear message that decisions about leadership and security within Ituri will remain a matter of national authority. At the same time, the episode risks adding strain to an already delicate relationship between two countries whose cooperation remains vital for stability in the region.
