Kampala, Uganda: Ugandan Foreign Affairs Minister, Gen. Jeje Odongo, has emphasized that the ongoing conflict in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) can only be resolved through political means rather than military action. Speaking during a bilateral meeting with H.E. Kevin Colgan, the Irish Ambassador to Uganda, Minister Odongo highlighted the urgent need for a political solution to address the crisis in North Kivu, where fighting between M23 rebels and other armed forces has resulted in widespread violence and suffering.
The meeting between the two officials took place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs headquarters in Kampala, where they discussed the longstanding and cordial relations between Uganda and Ireland, as well as pressing regional issues. Minister Odongo shared that an agreement had been reached with the European Union’s representative in Uganda to convene a summit in Kampala, bringing together all parties involved in the DRC conflict to discuss and seek a resolution.
According to a recent statement, Minister Odongo reiterated that the solution to the DRC crisis lies in political dialogue rather than continued armed rebellion. He referenced recent talks held in Angola’s capital, Luanda, on July 30th, 2024, where the leaders of Kigali and Kinshasa also agreed on the necessity of political negotiations to end the ongoing atrocities in North Kivu. The minister stressed the importance of maintaining momentum in these discussions to achieve lasting peace in the region.
During the bilateral talks, Ambassador Colgan conveyed greetings from the people of Ireland and provided updates on the relocation of the Irish Embassy in Kampala. The Embassy is set to move from its current location to the former Norwegian Embassy premises in Nakasero. An agreement has been reached with the Norwegian Ambassador in Tanzania to secure office space at the new chancery, which will continue to handle bilateral interests between Uganda and Norway.
Ambassador Colgan also informed Minister Odongo about the upcoming 30th anniversary of bilateral relations between Ireland and Uganda, scheduled for October 24th, 2024. The celebration will include field visits to projects and programs that Ireland has established in Uganda’s Karamoja and Kiboga districts, despite the challenges posed by insecurity and cattle rustling in these areas.
In a more sensitive part of the discussions, Ambassador Colgan raised concerns about reports of peaceful Ugandan citizens being arrested, detained, and allegedly tortured for expressing their dissatisfaction with government corruption. Minister Odongo acknowledged these concerns, stating that while the rioters had legitimate reasons to protest, intelligence had revealed that foreign elements had infiltrated the demonstrations, attempting to destabilize the government. As a result, the government deemed it necessary to apply force to maintain order. The minister assured that most of the detained individuals had been brought before Ugandan courts and released, and that the government was taking action to apprehend and prosecute officials involved in corruption.
The meeting underscored the importance of continued diplomatic engagement and collaboration between Uganda and Ireland, particularly in addressing regional security challenges and strengthening bilateral ties.