Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni recently hosted Floribert Anzuluni, the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Regional Integration, at his Kisozi presidential farm, approximately 150 kilometers from Kampala. The meeting, held on Monday, July 13, saw Minister Anzuluni convey a significant message from President Félix Tshisekedi, amidst a period of heightened regional diplomatic engagement and ongoing hostilities in Eastern DRC. These clashes involve Congolese government forces and the AFC/M23 rebellion, which is reportedly backed by Rwanda.

President Museveni reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to collaborating with the DRC and other regional partners. This commitment aims to effectively address the persistent security challenges plaguing the eastern part of the country.

“We engaged in discussions concerning mutual interests, particularly the security situation in Eastern DRC. Regional peace and stability are paramount for the prosperity of our communities, and we are dedicated to continuing our partnership with regional allies to overcome the obstacles confronting Eastern Congo,” President Museveni articulated on his X account.

This latest diplomatic exchange follows President Tshisekedi’s official visit to Uganda on May 11 and 12, 2026. That visit was specifically dedicated to fortifying the multisectoral partnership between Kinshasa and Kampala. During the visit, at President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni’s invitation, the two heads of state engaged in a private discussion at State House Entebbe. This was followed by the signing ceremony for six crucial memoranda of understanding (MOUs). These agreements had been meticulously prepared and endorsed during the 9th session of the Joint Permanent Commission, which convened 15 members from both the Congolese and Ugandan governments.

The signed agreements are designed to deepen economic integration between the two nations and foster an environment of shared prosperity, all while upholding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of each state. Key areas covered by these protocols include the inter-state utilization of Search and Rescue (SAR) facilities and resources during peacetime, enhancing bilateral trade, fostering cooperation in public administration, advancing information and communication technologies, promoting exports, and developing the tourism sector.

Through these strategic commitments, Kinshasa seeks to further solidify its relationship with Kampala within the Great Lakes region. This diplomatic push occurs against a backdrop of strained relations with Kigali, as the DRC continues to accuse Rwanda of providing support to the AFC/M23 rebellion in its eastern territories. Furthermore, these diplomatic efforts are unfolding as peace initiatives, particularly those launched in Washington and Doha, are still struggling to deliver tangible results on the ground, despite some reported progress in negotiation frameworks.