Museveni hails historic Rwanda-DRC peace accord, calls for broader stability
Museveni lauded President Tshisekedi, President Kagame, and the M23 leadership for embracing peace, and commended the US, particularly President Trump, for steering the breakthrough agreement.
(L-R): US President Donald Trump, Rwandan President Paul Kagame and DR Congo President Félix Tshisekedi after signing the peace deal. (Courtesy photos)
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Uganda has lauded the landmark peace agreement signed at the White House on December 4, 2025, where US President Donald Trump hosted Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame and DR Congo Félix Tshisekedi for what has been widely described as a historic stride toward lasting regional peace and stability.
President Yoweri Museveni, who was officially represented by Vice-President Jessica Alupo, congratulated the three leaders: Trump, Kagame, and Tshisekedi for their foresight, courage and commitment to resolving long-standing conflicts that have strained the Great Lakes Region for decades.
Despite a tight programme that did not allow Alupo to deliver her prepared speech, copies of her remarks were circulated among diplomats and delegates.
In his message, Museveni saluted Trump for appreciating what many African nations have long observed: that much of Africa’s instability has been driven by “parasite actors” who fuel tribal and religious identity politics rather than advancing unity, development, and shared prosperity. Such distortions, he noted, have historically weakened African states, obstructed institutional growth, and prolonged unnecessary conflicts.
Reflecting on Uganda’s own history, Museveni explained that the country once faced similar ideological confusion until the nationalist student movements of the 1960s led by him and other young patriots highlighted the dangers of sectarianism and laid out four guiding principles for national progress: Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Social-Economic Transformation, and Democracy. These principles, he said, remain the backbone of Uganda’s development and resilience.
Museveni further criticised the continental trend of resorting to armed conflict as a first response to political grievances, comparing it to prescribing surgery for minor illnesses.
He condemned leaders who seek foreign sponsors for internal disputes instead of engaging their citizens constructively to find sustainable, win-win solutions.
He lauded President Tshisekedi, President Kagame, and the M23 leadership for embracing peace, and commended the US, particularly President Trump, for steering the breakthrough agreement.
Far from complete
However, the President cautioned that the journey toward full stability is far from complete.
While the M23 issue marks a major milestone, unresolved conflicts in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu continue to threaten the region’s stability.
Uganda currently hosts over 642,770 Congolese refugees, a reality Museveni emphasised as further evidence of the urgent need for comprehensive solutions that will allow Congolese citizens to return home safely and confidently.
Alupo reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to supporting regional peacebuilding, strengthening Pan-African solidarity, and advancing collective security.
She described the signing as a turning point for the Great Lakes Region, a demonstration of what can be achieved when leaders choose dialogue, partnership, and shared prosperity over conflict.
“Uganda stands ready to work with all partners to ensure this agreement leads to lasting peace,” Museveni said.
The ceremony concluded with renewed optimism as the signatories pledged to fully implement the accord, raising hopes for a new era of peace, stability, and cooperation in Central and Eastern Africa.