New Chief of Staff of the Ugandan Army, General Muhoozi Kainerugaba – 2024
A recent appointment in the Ugandan army has shaken the Great Lakes region. General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of the President of Uganda, has been promoted to the post of Chief of Army Staff, the highest military office in the institution. This appointment did not fail to arouse reactions, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo, neighboring Uganda.
Indeed, General Muhoozi’s past and his close ties with the President of Rwanda, Paul Kagame, suggest a new dynamic in the region. His proximity to the Rwandan leader raises concerns about possible collaboration between Uganda and Rwanda against neighboring countries, particularly the DRC.
General Muhoozi’s past statements on social media, expressing his determination to face any threat alongside Paul Kagame, have cast a shadow over his intentions. Its past involvement in military operations in the DRC, under the pretext of fighting rebels, raises questions about Uganda’s true motives in the region.
The idea of a possible annexation of Ituri by Uganda or the transformation of this region into a French-speaking province could resurface with this strategic appointment. The security situation in eastern DRC remains worrying, and the involvement of the Ugandan army under the leadership of General Muhoozi could worsen tensions.
The International Community must remain vigilant in the face of these developments and support the DRC’s efforts to guarantee its sovereignty and stability. The appointment of General Muhoozi Kainerugaba as Chief of Staff of the Ugandan Army raises legitimate fears, and it is crucial to closely monitor developments in the Great Lakes region.
With this appointment, Uganda seems to want to play a dominant role in the region, to the detriment of peace and security. It is imperative for neighboring countries to remain united and cooperate to counter any attempt at destabilization orchestrated by political and military interests.