Uhuru Kenyatta in Uganda for DRC peace talks
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta arrived in Uganda on Tuesday ahead of high-level engagements aimed at advancing African Union-backed peace efforts for the war-torn eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
The visit comes as renewed fighting and a worsening humanitarian crisis continue to affect millions of civilians.
Mr Kenyatta, who leads the African Union’s mediation framework on the DRC peace process, was welcomed at Entebbe International Airport by Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda, Joash Maangi.
Amb Maangi who is to be replaced by Amb Ababu Namwamba, described the former president’s mission as “critical to restoring peace and security in the Great Lakes region.”
The talks are expected to bring together key regional leaders to strengthen diplomatic momentum and implement existing agreements.
The conflict in eastern DRC has displaced millions, disrupted daily life and driven widespread hunger and insecurity.
Humanitarian agencies report that over 10 million people in the eastern provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri and Tanganyika are facing crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity, with millions struggling to access sufficient food and basic services.
Parents and families caught in the violence say they are in desperate situations.
One displaced mother, who fled her home outside Goma, described the struggle.
“We have nowhere safe to go and no food to feed our children.”
While this account cannot be independently verified, it reflects common testimonies from displaced civilians amid persistent insecurity.
The fighting has also driven large-scale displacement: more than 5.7 million people are internally displaced within eastern Congo, and over 1 million refugees are living in neighbouring countries after escaping the violence.
Despite international mediation and temporary ceasefire efforts, clashes persist.
Recent reports indicate that rebel groups have resumed offensive actions in some areas, undermining fragile peace initiatives and fuelling further displacement.
Human rights organisations have documented widespread abuses affecting civilians, including sexual violence and attacks on community infrastructure, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Mr Kenyatta’s visit follows a series of international and regional peace engagements, including agreements mediated in Doha and Washington.
The engagements are aimed at reducing hostilities between the DRC government and armed groups such as the M23 rebels.
However, implementation on the ground has been inconsistent, with continued clashes and humanitarian needs outpacing political progress.
Me Kenyatta’s discussions in Uganda are expected to focus on ways to reinforce ceasefire mechanisms, strengthen humanitarian access, and coordinate regional support for displaced populations.
With millions of Congolese families suffering from hunger, displacement and insecurity, diplomatic breakthroughs are seen as essential to stabilising the region.
