Muhoozi suspends the Kisangani operation by orders from Trump and Museveni

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s Chief of Defence Forces, has officially paused the planned military operation to capture Kisangani, a strategic city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The announcement came through a post on his X account (formerly Twitter), where he explained that the decision was made following orders from President Yoweri Museveni and former U.S. President Donald Trump.

Rising Tensions Over Kisangani

Before this suspension, General Muhoozi had warned all armed groups in Kisangani to surrender or leave immediately, stating that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) were preparing to strike if the area was not cleared. His earlier message indicated that the operation was meant to bring stability to the region.

In a follow-up post, he declared:

This caused confusion both inside and outside Uganda. Many observers began to question whether this was a real military plan or just another controversial online statement from the general.

Why Kisangani Matters

Kisangani is a key city in northeastern DRC, sitting along the Congo River. It has historically played a major role in trade and movement across the region. The city was also a battleground during the Second Congo War (1998–2003), when Ugandan and Rwandan forces fought over control.

Today, the situation in eastern Congo remains tense, with armed groups like M23 still active.

Some reports accuse Rwanda of supporting M23, though the Rwandan government continues to deny this.

Muhoozi’s comments have led to speculation that Uganda may be planning to support M23 or to intervene directly if M23 fails to achieve its objectives in the area. However, the Ugandan government has not released any official statement confirming an active plan to take Kisangani.

Concerns Over Military Messaging

This is not the first time General Muhoozi has made headlines for controversial remarks online. In 2022, his tweet about invading Kenya caused diplomatic issues between the two countries. His recent statements are once again raising concerns about Uganda’s foreign policy and military ambitions.

While Muhoozi claims to act on behalf of President Museveni, critics argue that his public posts can create confusion and strain international relations, especially when they are not supported by official government channels.

Some Ugandans are now calling for a more careful and professional approach to military communications, especially in a region where the risk of conflict remains high.

At the moment, the plan to capture Kisangani is on hold. But the possibility of renewed military activity in eastern Congo still worries many observers. Muhoozi’s posts have stirred debate about Uganda’s role in regional security—and about the need for clearer, more stable leadership in such sensitive matters.