Ugandan General threatens attack on Congo‍‍`s Bunia amid rising tensions

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the head of Uganda’s Defense Forces, warned of an imminent attack on the eastern Congolese city of Bunia. 

Kainerugaba, in a post on social media platform X on Saturday, gave the ‘all forces’ in Bunia a 24-hour deadline to surrender their weapons. His post has drawn attention both locally and internationally.

Kainerugaba’s statement was made amid rising tensions between Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

He claimed that members of the Bahima community, whom he associates with, were being killed in Congo. 

“My people, the Bahima, are being attacked. Those who attack my people are in for a very dangerous situation. No one in this world can kill my people and think they will get away with it,” Kainerugaba wrote.

He went on to suggest that Uganda’s forces, known as the Uganda People’s Defense Force (UPDF), would soon take control of Bunia.

This statement came after Kainerugaba’s claims that his father, President Yoweri Museveni, had granted him full authority for an attack on Bunia. 

Museveni and Kainerugaba share a close relationship, with Kainerugaba often expressing his loyalty to his father. 

Despite the serious nature of the threat, Uganda‍‍`s military spokesperson has refused to comment on the matter.

Adding fuel to the fire, Kainerugaba has long been known for making provocative remarks on international relations. 

His latest statement comes amid increased military activity in the region. 

In fact, just days before, M23 rebel leaders in Congo confirmed their entry into Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo. 

This follows their capture of Goma, the largest city in the region, just last month.

Uganda’s role in the ongoing conflict has also been called into question. Several UN sources reported earlier this month that Uganda had deployed more than 1,000 additional soldiers to eastern Congo. 

These troops were reportedly sent to combat Islamic terrorism, but experts believe Uganda may also be backing the Tutsi-led M23 rebels.

President Kagame of Rwanda, a long-time ally of Kainerugaba, has denied these accusations. 

Kainerugaba, who has frequently supported Kagame and M23, referred to the rebels as "our brothers" in a 2022 statement, further linking Uganda’s involvement in the conflict.

The growing tensions between Uganda, Congo, and Rwanda have raised fears that the situation could escalate into a broader regional conflict. 

The DRC government, which is already engaged in battles with M23, has refused to comment on Kainerugaba‍‍`s latest threats.

Many observers suggest that Kainerugaba’s warning may be connected to Uganda’s economic and geopolitical interests in Ituri, a region in Congo where Bunia is the capital. 

“It seems Uganda is signaling that it is claiming ‘its territory,’” said Professor Christophe Titessa from Antwerp University, noting troubling similarities with the territorial disputes seen during the 1998 Second Congo War.

As the situation continues to develop, the world watches closely to see if tensions between the neighboring countries will lead to further military conflict or a diplomatic resolution.