Leaders in Kasese and Bundibugyo districts have expressed optimism about the recent peace deal between the DRC and Rwanda.
They believe this agreement is critical for ensuring lasting peace and security in the eastern DRC, a region frequently plagued by conflict.
Last Thursday, at a summit hosted by US President Donald Trump in Washington, leaders from DRC and Rwanda signed a peace deal aimed at ending the long-running conflict in the region. The move has been seen by some as a significant step forward.
However, some analysts have cautioned that the deal echoes an agreement reached in June, which failed to end the fighting.
For leaders from Kasese and Bundibugyo districts, stability in DRC is directly linked to the socio-economic stability of their communities.
Muhindi Eliphaz Bukombi, LCV Kasese, notes that stability in the neighbouring country could boost business opportunities in Kasese, given its strategic position as a border district.
The Kasese Resident District Commissioner, Lt. Joe Walusimbi, stated that instability in DRC negatively impacts Ugandans, as some of the wrong elements often find a haven in such a volatile region.
He explained that many Congolese rely on Uganda for essential social services such as education and health care, and when there is instability in the DRC, it disrupts their access to these services.
Sunday Milton, the Minister of Security in Obudingya bwa Bwamba-OBB cultural institution, states that wars in DRC have occasionally threatened the health and safety of the local community, as many Congolese ran to Uganda during times of conflict.
He added that Ugandan and Congolese traders interact daily basis, and any stability in DRC affects both communities.
Alpha Asuman, the LCIII Harugale in Bundibugyo District, is proud of the Ugandan government for its relentless efforts to secure border points, which he believes will contribute to the betterment of residents’ lives by enhancing security and stability in the region. Asuman also prays that leaders of both countries will respect the peace deal.
While speaking to the media in Fort Portal during his presidential campaign in Tooro and Rwenzori, President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni expressed his enthusiastic support for the peace deal.
He highlighted the importance of the parties involved to diligently implement the agreement, as it holds significant implications for not only the DRC but also its neighbouring countries, including Uganda.
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