Gen Muhoozi signals possible Uganda troop withdrawal from eastern DRC amid political

Kampala, Uganda, March 25, 2026 - Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces Muhoozi Kainerugaba has announced that Ugandan troops deployed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo could be withdrawn from several positions, depending on political developments in Ituri Province. Ugandan forces are currently deployed in joint operations with the Armed Forces of the DRC to combat armed groups, including the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF), which are linked to the Islamic State network. Gen. Muhoozi said Uganda is prepared to withdraw troops from areas stretching from Lubero to Mahagi in coordination with the Congolese government, emphasizing the goal of achieving lasting stability in eastern DRC. However, he stated that the withdrawal from Lubero would depend on whether changes are made to the leadership of Ituri Province, indicating that all Ugandan troops could leave the area if the current governor remains in office. Eastern DRC continues to face complex insecurity, with more than 250 armed groups operating in the region, many of which are involved in violence against civilians, according to regional security assessments. The announcement comes amid ongoing military cooperation between Uganda and the DRC, which has focused on joint operations against insurgent groups and improving security along shared border regions.