Uganda has reopened its border with the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), ending a six-month closure of key crossings that was triggered by advances from the M23 rebel group.
The border points affected, Bunagana and Ishasha in North Kivu province, had been shut down following the rebels’ capture of Goma.
Ugandan military assistant Chris Magezi announced the reopening on social media, explaining that it was done on direct orders from President Yoweri Museveni.
He also said those responsible for the original closure and the disruption of trade between the communities will be investigated.
This reopening follows a recent peace agreement signed in Washington, where Rwanda and the DRC pledged to support future negotiations between the M23 rebels and the Congolese army.
The M23 rebel group, mainly made up of ethnic Tutsis, restarted their offensive in late 2021.
Fighting escalated, leading to the capture of large parts of eastern Congo, including Goma.
The conflict has forced thousands of civilians to flee, including many from camps near Kibumba, around 40 kilometers north of Goma.
Don’t Miss This:
UAE-Backed Firm Wins Contract for Uganda’s First 60,000 BPD Oil Refinery
The Congolese government has accused Rwanda of backing the M23 with weapons and troops, an allegation supported by the United States, which cited credible intelligence. Rwanda denies these claims.
Uganda has previously closed its border with the DRC twice due to threats from M23.
The first closure came in July 2012 after an M23 offensive, shutting the Bunagana crossing for security reasons, but the border later reopened as tensions eased.
The most recent closure began in January 2024, again affecting Bunagana and Ishasha crossings after the M23 made new advances near Goma.
The six-month shutdown ended in July 2025 following a reduction in fighting and increased pressure to restart cross-border trade.
Besides Bunagana and Ishasha, Uganda has also reopened other border points like Busanza, according to Ugandan military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Felix Kulayigye.
He confirmed that President Museveni’s directive was aimed at restoring the flow of goods and people between the two nations.
The closures followed not only the rebels’ capture of Goma but also in protest after M23 reportedly blocked Ugandan cargo trucks from entering eastern Congo.
With the border now open and international diplomatic efforts in progress, the regional situation is shifting.
The outcome of upcoming peace talks will largely depend on sustained international pressure and the willingness of the involved parties to reach compromises.
Don’t Miss This:
Zimbabwe’s Lithium Ion Battery Project Passes One-Year Test With Zero Failures
Image Credit: AA
