Leaked UN Report Links Ugandan Popular Journalist to M23 Rebels

A shocking new report by the United Nations Panel of Experts has accused Uganda of secretly supporting the M23 rebels, a Congolese armed group that has caused unrest in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). 

The leaked report, seen by Monitor, also names well-known Ugandan journalist Andrew Mwenda as being involved in diplomatic dealings with the rebel group.

According to the UN investigators, Uganda’s military—specifically the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) and its intelligence wing, the Defence Intelligence and Security (DIS)—has been actively supporting M23 and other rebel groups operating in eastern DRC. This revelation has sparked fresh concerns over Uganda’s role in the ongoing conflict.

The report claims that Mwenda, a veteran journalist, has been working behind the scenes in Kampala to secure diplomatic cover for the M23 rebels. However, both Uganda and Mwenda have denied these claims, insisting that their involvement was strictly to help find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

Uganda has a history of military involvement in DRC, with its forces previously engaged in a joint operation with the Congolese army to combat the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). However, relations between the two nations have been strained, especially after M23 captured Bunagana, a key border town, in 2022.

Muhoozi Kainerugaba, the Chief of Defence Forces and son of President Yoweri Museveni, has also faced criticism for his past tweets referring to M23 as "our brothers," which raised suspicions about Uganda’s ties to the rebels.

While Uganda continues to deny the allegations, the leaked UN report has intensified debate about the country’s true role in the conflict.

Many are now waiting to see how the government will respond to these latest accusations.