DRC-RWANDA PEACE DEAL: U.S. Hails Uganda’s Peace Efforts in Great Lakes Region

The United States has hailed Uganda’s growing leadership in promoting peace, security, and stability across Eastern Africa, following the landmark signing of the Washington Accords between the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Rwanda.

The commendation came after a meeting between Uganda’s Vice President Jessica Alupo and Senior Bureau Official for African Affairs, Jonathan Pratt, at the U.S. State Department on Friday.

In remarks released after the meeting, Pratt praised Kampala for its consistent contributions to regional security architecture under the leadership of President Yoweri Museveni.

“The United States appreciates Uganda’s leadership role in helping build and maintain peace, stability, and economic prosperity in Eastern Africa,” Pratt said.

He added, “Uganda’s support for the Washington Accords reflects its commitment to regional stability and peaceful coexistence.”

Uganda’s Regional Security Footprint Highlighted

Pratt noted that Uganda’s backing of the Washington Accords aligns with its long history of proactively contributing to peace and counter-terrorism efforts in the region.

Under President Museveni, Uganda has been one of Africa’s most consistent contributors to peacekeeping and stabilization missions, including:

• Deployments under the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM) — formerly AMISOM/ATMIS — where Uganda has served as the largest troop-contributing country in the fight against Al-Shabaab.

• Operation Shujaa, Uganda’s joint military operations with the DRC aimed at neutralizing the ADF and restoring security in Eastern Congo.

• Efforts to restore calm in South Sudan, where Uganda has frequently stepped in to secure trade routes, protect civilians, and support ceasefire mechanisms during periods of instability.

These interventions, U.S. officials noted, underscore Uganda’s role as a linchpin of regional security and a reliable actor in combating terrorism and preventing the escalation of cross-border conflict.

Washington Accords Mark New Phase in Regional Diplomacy

The Washington Accords, signed Thursday in a high-level ceremony attended by regional presidents, diplomats, and U.S. officials, represent one of the strongest steps yet toward de-escalating tensions between Rwanda and the DRC.

DRC’s President Félix-Antoine Tshisekedi Tshilombo (R) and his Rwandan counterpart Paul Kagame inked the peace deal in Washington

Uganda, which maintains diplomatic, security, and economic ties with both Kigali and Kinshasa, has supported negotiations through multiple channels, including the East African Community (EAC), the African Union, and bilateral engagements.

Vice President Alupo’s participation in Washington reinforced Uganda’s commitment to backing the implementation of the peace deal and supporting mechanisms that enhance security cooperation, humanitarian access, and cross-border economic activity.

U.S. Looks to Uganda as a Regional Stabilizer

With conflict and political instability continuing to threaten the Great Lakes region, the U.S. views Uganda as a crucial partner in shaping the region’s peace and security trajectory.

Pratt emphasized that Washington hopes the Accords will create a “turning point” and encouraged all regional actors to sustain dialogue, uphold commitments, and address root causes of conflict.

Uganda is expected to remain deeply engaged in follow-up processes, leveraging its longstanding experience in peacekeeping, mediation, and counter-terrorism across Eastern Africa.