KAMPALA, Uganda—Feb 3, 2026—Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has arrived in Uganda ahead of high-level engagements linked to the African Union (AU)-led mediation process aimed at restoring peace and stability in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), a region grappling with persistent insecurity.
Kenyatta, who is the AU-appointed Facilitator of the DRC peace process, was received at Entebbe International Airport by Kenya’s Ambassador to Uganda, Joash Maangi.
The visit comes amid renewed diplomatic efforts to address the volatile security situation in eastern DRC, where armed groups, including the M23 rebel faction and various militia movements, have continued to fuel violence, displace civilians, and strain relations between neighbouring states in the Great Lakes region.
As AU Facilitator, Kenyatta plays a central role in coordinating regional and international initiatives designed to complement existing peace frameworks, including the Nairobi Process and the Luanda mediation track, which seek to de-escalate tensions, promote dialogue among warring parties, and support the restoration of state authority in affected areas.
Uganda remains a key regional actor in the DRC peace efforts, given its historical, political, and security interests in eastern Congo, as well as its involvement in joint security operations and regional diplomatic engagements under the East African Community (EAC) and AU frameworks.
Kenyatta’s engagements in Uganda are expected to focus on consultations with senior government officials and regional stakeholders on the implementation of agreed confidence-building measures, the protection of civilians, and the coordination of international support for peace and stabilisation efforts in the conflict-hit region.
The eastern DRC conflict has persisted for decades, exacerbated by competition over mineral-rich territories, weak state institutions, and cross-border dynamics involving neighbouring countries.
Despite multiple ceasefire agreements and mediation initiatives, sustained peace has remained elusive, underscoring the need for continued high-level diplomatic engagement.
