Uganda to host security summit on DRC

PIC :  ICT and national guidance minister,Frank Tumwebaze said the meeting is expected to emphasise and maintain Uganda's strong leadership in dealing with the issues of regional peace and security.

SECURITY

Ahead of the highly anticipated elections later this year, Uganda will in October host a high-level security summit on the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

According to Frank Tumwebaze, the ICT and national guidance minister, the summit is expected to draft various mechanisms towards the pacification of the war-torn country.

"Cabinet was informed and it noted that Uganda will host the 9th high level meeting of regional oversight mechanism of peace, security and co-operation framework for the Democratic Republic of Congo and the region," Tumwebaze told journalists on Tuesday at the Uganda Media Centre.

The summit is scheduled for October 8  at Speke Resort Munyonyo in Kampala.

Tumwebaze added that the meeting is expected to emphasise and maintain Uganda's strong leadership in dealing with the issues of regional peace and security.

During the Kampala meeting, Tumwebaze said, leaders are also expected to commit to the neutralisation of negative forces in the region, restoration of peace, security and stability in the DRC and mobilisation of the region and the international community towards the pacification of DRC.

Facilitation of the DRC's economic progress is the other key element that regional leaders and international actors are expected to tackle during the Kampala DRC security summit.

Political tension within DRC has increased as citizens prepare for the December 23 polls.

Already, President Joseph Kabila has announced that he will not seek re-election, casting the race for Presidency wide open.

The ruling party and Kabila have endorsed former minister, Emmanuel Ramazani Shadary, as their candidate.

Jean Pierre Bemba, a former warlord, has also thrown his hat in the race.