Uganda’s top military commander has threatened to attack the eastern Congolese town of Bunia unless all armed forces there surrender immediately.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba issued the warning on Saturday through a post on X, setting a 24-hour ultimatum for compliance.
Kainerugaba, son of President Yoweri Museveni, claimed he had the authority to order such an attack, raising fears of regional instability.
Ugandan military officials declined to comment on the general’s statements, which have sparked concerns of an escalating conflict.
Kainerugaba justified his threat by alleging that members of the Bahima ethnic group were being targeted and killed in Congo.
He did not provide evidence but warned that those responsible would face dire consequences, vowing that Bunia would fall under Ugandan military control.
Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa, attending an African Union summit, refused to comment on the Ugandan general’s remarks.
The crisis comes as M23 rebels, reportedly backed by Rwanda, have captured Bukavu, the second-largest city in eastern Congo.
Last month, the group seized control of Goma, further destabilizing a region already plagued by violence and humanitarian strife.
Uganda has deployed over 1,000 soldiers in eastern Congo, officially to combat Islamist militants but allegedly aiding the M23 rebels.
Observers say Kainerugaba’s statements signal Uganda’s deeper geopolitical and economic interests in Congo’s resource-rich Ituri province.
Professor Kristof Titeca of the University of Antwerp warned that the situation mirrors the Second Congolese War’s territorial disputes.
Kainerugaba’s history of provocative remarks includes threats against Kenya and Uganda’s opposition leader Bobi Wine.
His latest threat raises concerns of a broader regional conflict, with tensions between Uganda, Rwanda, and Congo reaching a boiling point.
