Washington, D.C., USA: President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has praised the landmark peace accord signed at the White House between Rwanda and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), describing it as a decisive breakthrough for regional stability.
The ceremony, hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, brought together President Paul Kagame of Rwanda and President Félix Tshisekedi of the DRC to endorse what is being hailed worldwide as a historic agreement for the Great Lakes Region.
Uganda was represented by Vice President H.E. Jessica Alupo, whose presence drew widespread attention from diplomats and regional observers. Although a tight program prevented her from delivering her prepared remarks, copies of her written speech circulated among participants and immediately became a key point of discussion. Delegates praised the message for its depth, clarity, and strategic grounding, further cementing Alupo’s reputation as one of the most influential leaders at the high-level event.
Through the speech shared on his behalf, President Museveni congratulated Presidents Trump, Kagame, and Tshisekedi for the bold step toward ending long-standing hostilities that have destabilized the Great Lakes Region for decades.
He commended Trump for recognizing what African leaders have increasingly noted: that instability on the continent is often driven by “parasite actors” who manipulate ethnic and religious identities for political gain, undermining unity and institutional development.
Museveni reflected on Uganda’s own past, recalling the ideological divisions of the 1960s that compelled nationalist students, including himself, to confront sectarian politics. Those struggles, he said, ultimately shaped Uganda’s four guiding principles of Patriotism, Pan-Africanism, Social-Economic Transformation, and Democracy, which remain the foundation of the country’s resilience and progress.
The President also criticized Africa’s recurrent tendency to use armed conflict as a default mechanism for settling political disputes, likening it to “prescribing surgery for minor illnesses.” He argued that durable peace requires dialogue, internal engagement, and responsible leadership, not appeals to external sponsors for military solutions.
Museveni welcomed the renewed commitment by Presidents Tshisekedi and Kagame, as well as the M23 leadership, to embrace peaceful avenues for resolving conflicts. He applauded the United States, particularly President Trump, for guiding the process to a meaningful agreement.
However, he warned that while resolving the M23 conflict is a major milestone, the broader picture remains fragile. Ongoing instability in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu continues to displace civilians, with Uganda currently hosting over 642,770 Congolese refugees.
Museveni said the region must pursue comprehensive solutions that allow Congolese citizens to safely return to their homes.
Vice President Alupo’s circulated remarks reaffirmed Uganda’s unwavering commitment to regional peacebuilding, Pan-African solidarity, and collective security. She called the agreement a “pivotal turning point” that demonstrates the power of dialogue and partnership in shaping a peaceful future.
“Uganda stands ready to work with all partners to ensure this agreement leads to lasting peace,” President Museveni affirmed through the remarks conveyed by the Vice President.
The White House ceremony ended with renewed optimism as all parties pledged to fully implement the accord, raising hopes for a new chapter of peace, stability, and cooperation across Central and Eastern Africa.
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