On February 20, 2026, Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni received Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti, commander of Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF), at State House in Entebbe. The meeting took place against the backdrop of Sudan’s civil war, now entering its third year, which has triggered one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises mass displacement, famine threats, and allegations of atrocities by both the RSF and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF).
According to Ugandan government statements, Dagalo briefed Museveni on the current situation in Sudan. Museveni used the meeting to reiterate a familiar stance: only dialogue and a political settlement can deliver lasting stability not just in Sudan, but across the region, where refugee flows, border tensions, and economic disruptions continue to mount.
Museveni, appointed by the African Union to lead direct negotiations between Sudan’s warring parties, framed the encounter as part of an African-led solution to African problems. He cautioned against divisive “identity politics” and stressed the importance of inclusive dialogue. Dagalo reportedly expressed appreciation for Museveni’s hospitality and acknowledged the emphasis on peace.
The meeting marked a rare public engagement for Dagalo on the international stage and underscored Uganda’s ongoing role in regional mediation. However, it immediately drew sharp condemnation from Khartoum. Sudan’s Foreign Ministry described the hosting of Dagalo as an “affront to humanity” and accused Uganda of legitimizing a paramilitary group implicated in serious human rights abuses. The ministry warned that such actions jeopardize regional relations and signal a possible shift in Uganda’s policy toward Sudan.
Reactions across East Africa were sharply divided. Some observers viewed the meeting as a pragmatic step toward de-escalation, given Museveni’s AU mandate and the stagnation of prior peace efforts. Others saw it as a risky move, potentially undermining Uganda’s neutrality. Within Uganda, public commentary varied, including remarks from Museveni’s son, Gen. Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who criticized Dagalo as a criminal in timing that coincided with the visit.
The Entebbe meeting highlights the moral and diplomatic tightrope of mediation in Sudan’s conflict. Engaging both sides is essential for any credible peace process, yet it carries the risk of appearing to endorse actors accused of grave violations. Museveni’s message was clear: military confrontation alone will not end the war; sustainable peace demands serious political dialogue. Whether this engagement propels the AU-led talks forward or deepens regional tensions will become clearer in the weeks ahead.
