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DRC UNREST: Ugandan Embassy in Kinshasa Looted, Burnt.

KINSHASA, DRC – The Ugandan embassy in Kinshasa has been looted and partially set ablaze by rioters accusing Uganda of supporting the Rwandan-backed M23 rebel group.

Videos circulating on social media show rioters carrying furniture from the embassy and vandalizing vehicles, with sections of the building engulfed in flames.

Embassies of  western countries including France were also looted during today’s unprecedented violence.

Uganda has previously denied accusations of backing M23 rebels, reiterating its commitment to peace and stability in the region.

The rioters claimed that Uganda was complicit in the ongoing unrest in eastern DRC.

They also criticised the DRC government for failing to counter the M23 rebel movement effectively.

The embassy attack underscores the heightened tensions in Kinshasa as anger over the escalating violence in North Kivu spills into the capital.

Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident.

Political Fallout in Uganda

The events in Kinshasa have sparked concerns in Uganda’s parliament, with lawmakers demanding clarity on the government’s involvement and investments in the DRC amid the growing unrest.

Kira Municipality MP, Hon. Ibrahim Ssemujju Nganda, questioned Uganda’s significant infrastructural investments in the DRC, asking whether such efforts remain viable in light of the deteriorating security situation.

Leader of Opposition, Hon. Joel Ssenyonyi, expressed alarm over the situation, particularly the safety of Ugandan citizens caught in the chaos.

“The government needs to update us on our borders and the Ugandans held in the DRC given the conflict there,” Ssenyonyi said during today’s parliamentary session.

Deputy Speaker Thomas Tayebwa assured the House that the Minister of Foreign Affairs would provide a detailed briefing on the situation tomorrow, including updates on the embassy attack and measures being taken to ensure the safety of Ugandans in the DRC.

Regional Implications

The looting of the Ugandan embassy highlights the broader political and security challenges facing the Great Lakes region.

The conflict between M23 rebels and Congolese forces has displaced hundreds of thousands and drawn accusations of foreign interference, with Rwanda and Uganda frequently named in the escalating tensions. Both countries have repeatedly denied any involvement with M23.

This development further complicates Uganda’s efforts to deepen economic and infrastructural ties with the DRC, including cross-border trade agreements and major road construction projects aimed at boosting connectivity between the two nations.

Escalating Crisis

The embassy attack coincides with worsening violence in eastern DRC, where M23 rebels have captured key areas, including Goma, and reports of atrocities against civilians have emerged.

The United Nations and other international actors have called for a ceasefire and the resumption of peace talks, but tensions remain high.

Meanwhile, Ugandan nationals stranded in the DRC are pleading for assistance, and diplomatic relations between the two countries face renewed scrutiny.

The upcoming statement from Uganda’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is expected to address the implications of the embassy attack and outline measures to protect Ugandan citizens and assets in the DRC.