Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces and head of the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF), has announced that Uganda is prepared to withdraw troops from certain positions in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The announcement was made on the night of March 25 to 26, 2026, through a statement shared on X, signaling a possible shift in Uganda’s military deployment in the region.
According to the statement, UPDF forces are ready to pull out from positions stretching from Lubero in North Kivu province to Mahagi in Ituri province in coordination with the DRC government. The announcement indicated that troops stationed in Lubero could withdraw within the next few days, with some reports suggesting a deadline of April 3, 2026, which falls on Good Friday, if the Governor of Ituri is not replaced.
The move appears to signal a conditional or partial withdrawal rather than a complete exit from eastern DRC. Uganda has maintained troops in the region under Operation Shujaa, a joint military operation with the FARDC aimed at eliminating the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), a rebel group linked to extremist networks and responsible for multiple attacks on civilians in eastern Congo. UPDF forces have been operating in the area since late 2021, focusing on counterterrorism efforts, border security, and protecting strategic interests near Lake Albert.
The announcement comes amid reported tensions between UPDF operations and local authorities in Ituri province. Some local leaders and civil society groups, including organizations such as SOCICO, have criticized the deployment, accusing the forces of failing to effectively address armed groups like CODECO and questioning the broader objectives of Uganda’s presence in the region. Observers say Muhoozi’s statement may be part of ongoing diplomatic and operational pressure related to governance and coordination issues in eastern DRC.
Security analysts note that the announcement should be viewed within the complex regional context, where multiple armed groups, including ADF, M23, and CODECO, continue to operate across eastern Congo. Uganda’s military presence has primarily aimed at preventing cross border attacks and weakening rebel networks that pose a threat to Ugandan security. However, the situation remains fluid, and previous withdrawal timelines have often been adjusted through bilateral negotiations between Kampala and Kinshasa.
Gen. Muhoozi is known for making direct and sometimes blunt statements on social media, and this latest announcement has drawn significant attention across the region. While it suggests a possible repositioning of troops, any coordinated withdrawal would require agreement between the Ugandan government and Congolese authorities, meaning further official statements are expected in the coming days.
The development highlights the fragile security situation in eastern DRC and the delicate balance between military cooperation and political coordination in regional peace efforts. As the situation continues to evolve, both governments are expected to clarify the next steps regarding UPDF deployment and ongoing counterterrorism operations in the region.
