Uganda: Recent Events – Troop Withdrawals, Political Shifts, and Development Initiatives
Introduction
This article summarizes recent events in Uganda, encompassing the withdrawal of South African troops from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), significant internal political changes within the National Unity Platform (NUP) party, and the expansion of the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) program aimed at poverty reduction. Additionally, it briefly touches upon an unrelated incident involving an Air India flight experiencing a bomb threat.
South African Troop Withdrawal from the DRC
The Southern African Development Community (SADC) mission in the DRC, involving troops from South Africa, Malawi, and Tanzania, began withdrawing on June 13, 2025. The first phase focused on logistical aspects, while the second phase, commencing on June 13, involves the repatriation of personnel and equipment. The South African contingent is expected to return to Bloemfontein on Friday, June 14, 2025. The SADC mission, deployed in December 2023, aimed to assist the DRC government in restoring peace and security, particularly in the volatile regions of North and South Kivu, significantly impacted by the M23 armed group. The withdrawal follows the deaths of 17 SADC soldiers during escalating conflict. Analysts estimate that the deployment involved at least 1,300 soldiers, with South Africa providing the majority. The troops were stationed in Goma and Sake, and those from South Africa and Malawi are being airlifted home via Tanzania.
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UN Mission in Goma
On June 12, 2025, Bintou Keita, head of the UN peacekeeping mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), visited Goma for the first time since its capture by the M23 militia. Her three-day visit includes meetings with representatives of the M23 and the AFC alliance, focusing on MONUSCO's mandate, particularly civilian protection.
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NUP Leadership Elections and Internal Party Dynamics
A National Unity Platform (NUP) delegates conference on June 11, 2025, resulted in significant leadership changes. Habib Buwembo unexpectedly defeated Fred Nyanzi Ssentamu for the head of mobilization position. Bobi Wine was reportedly re-elected unopposed as party president. Other notable changes include Francis Zaake losing his national youth secretary position to Frank Kabuye Kibirige, and the retention of David Lewis Rubongoya as secretary-general. The newly elected National Executive Committee's full list is pending official release. Internal disagreements regarding Nyanzi's appointment and Zaake's loss have been expressed on social media platforms. A legal challenge to the legitimacy of the elections, led by NUP founding members, is pending a court hearing on June 16, 2025.
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Expansion of the Local Economic Growth Support (LEGS) Programme
The Ugandan government plans to expand the LEGS program from 17 to 55 districts, benefiting an estimated 16 million Ugandans directly and 20 million indirectly. LEGS II, a $150 million initiative funded by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre (KSRelief), will focus on climate change resilience, youth and women's empowerment, disability inclusion, and irrigation support. The program's expansion follows the success of the first phase, primarily in northern Uganda, which resulted in the construction of markets, roads, processing units, and improved access to essential services in areas like Tisai Island in Kumi district.
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Air India Bomb Threat and Emergency Landing
An Air India flight from Phuket, Thailand, to New Delhi made an emergency landing on Friday, June 14, 2025, following a bomb threat. The pilot received a bomb threat message onboard. The incident occurred a day after a separate Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad, India.
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